November 24th, 2016 Edition

By Chris King Of

and

“We believe diversity is the driver of innovation,” Holt said, in accepting the 2016 Corporate Diversity Award for Dot Foods, a multi-billion-dollar food redistributor with

Pearlie Evans passes at 84

Clay district director, one of first black women grads at Brown School

with future Congressman William L. “Bill” Clay, Norman Seay, Percy Green II and others who were working for change. “We were into everything under the sun,” Clay said. They believed themselves to be part of a new political movement, one that challenged the old guard of black leadership in St. Louis. “They felt comfortable with a modicum of progress, and we wanted the whole hog,” Clay said. “It was our time. We

Black Ladue students protest racist incidents

Assault charges filed over black student burned by glue gun at high school

By Mariah Stewart

Dozens of Ladue high School students participated in a school walkout and march on Wednesday, November 16,

to racist incidents that took place following the

presidential election of Donald Trump on November 8.

Thursday, November 10, a group of white students were

n On Thursday, November 10, a group of white students were witnessed chanting “Trump, Trump, Trump,” toward black students on a Ladue school bus.

witnessed chanting “Trump, Trump, Trump,” toward black students on a Ladue school bus. One white male took the hazing further and said all black students should “sit in the back of the bus,” according to Tajah Walker, 15, who was targeted in the

Photo by Wiley Price

By Gloria S. Ross For St. Louis Public Radio

Of The St. Louis American

Jahari White soared as Better Family Life’s Kuumba Youth Performance Ensemble staged a dance during a private reception at the National Blues Museum in downtown St. Louis before BFL’s 30th anniversary Unity Ball at the America’s Center.

Better family dance

Photo by Wiley Price

Larry W. Lee, CEO of Andy’s Seasoning and 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year, with emcee Carol Daniel at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 2016 Salute to Excellence in Business Luncheon, held Thursday, November 17 at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis.

Pearlie Evans, then-district director for Congressman Bill Clay, with Clay in 1998.

Photo courtesy of Bill Clay

Tajah Walker discussed being the victim of racist harassment at Ladue Horton Watkins High School during a Ladue school board meeting on Tuesday, November 15.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Kanye West hospitalized, cancels tour

Kanye West is under observation at a Los Angeles hospital following an abrupt cancellation of his concert tour on Monday.

A source close to West’s family told CNN that the rapper is being treated for exhaustion at UCLA Medical Center.

The decision to hospitalize West came after Los Angeles police responded to a disturbance call, according to the source.

West’s wife, Kim Kardashian West, was in New York on Monday to attend a charity event where her late father was being honored, but she flew back to Los Angeles when she learned of her husband’s situation, the source said.

West’s concert promoter, Live Nation, announced earlier Monday that the remaining dates of his Saint Pablo Tour had been called off.

The cancellation came after several days of bizarre behavior from the artist.

Controversy started Thursday night during West’s concert in San Jose, California when he went on a political rant about his support for President-elect Donald Trump and said he wished black people would stop talking about

racism.

On Saturday, West showed up late for his concert in Sacramento, California, performed just two songs, then spoke at length about more of his political views and made negative comments about Beyoncé and Jay Z.

The Game ordered to pay millions for alleged groping incident

Last week, news leaked that rapper The Game lost a $10 million civil sexual assault lawsuit filed against him by a former contestant of his reality show.

she will be appearing on the next season of “Welcome to Sweetie Pies.” Williams, former wife of NBA player Eric Williams, was previously linked to Cisco Rosado from “Love and Hip Hop NY.”

Mary J. Blige discusses divorce on GMA, affair rumored to be root of split

Earlier this year, R&B singer Mary J. Blige shocked her fans after filing for divorce from manager Kendu Isaacs after 12 years of marriage.

According to reports, The Game was actually ordered to pay Priscilla Rainey $7.3 million after she accused him of forcibly groping her genitals during a taping of “She Got Game.”

The rapper is expected to appeal the verdict.

Couple alert: Tim Norman and ‘Basketball Wives’ alum Jennifer Williams

Former “Basketball Wives” co-star Jennifer Williams has confirmed her relationship with St. Louis’ own Tim Norman of “Welcome to Sweetie Pies” fame.

Williams told Hip Hollywood that she and Tim began dating about five months ago, and

In an interview with Robin Roberts “Good Morning America,” the typically private Blige speaks on what brought her to the end of her rope.

“The breaking point was when I kept asking over and over again for respect, and to be respected, and it just seemed like I was beating a dead horse,” Blige said.

“And it seemed like I was talking to a wall. I just wasn’t getting it (respect) back. “So if I can’t get respect in the relationship, I have to move on to save myself.

That was the point where I was like, ‘I’m done. I just can’t do it anymore.’”

Meanwhile, a source told popular urban blog The Shade Room that a lengthy affair with one of the artists on the soon-to-be former couple’s record label had a hand in the split.

“I was with my friend in NY who works on the crew for the Maxwell and Mary J. Blige concert, and while I was backstage I overheard so much tea about the real reason why Mary and her estranged husband Kendu are getting a divorce,” the source told The Shade Room.

“[Turns out] he was having a full out affair for the last 7 years with their ‘artist’ . I also heard that Mary dropped her from the label years ago, but he kept her around. He moved her to LA when they moved Apparently, at one point she was Mary’s friend, but she cut her off –and Starshell continued to have a relationship with Kendu so she could become famous.”

J.

Sources: TMZ.com, The Shade Room, Good Morning America, Hip Hollywood and CNN.

Mary

Blige

Three county districts pledge to ban suspensions in early grades

Maplewood

Richmond, Ladue and Normandy join SLPS

By Camille Phillips Of St. Louis Public Radio

By the 2018-2019 school year at least four school districts in the St. Louis area could have policies banning out-of-school suspensions for their youngest students.

At a regional assembly on suspensions Sunday, November 13, the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District pledged to ban out-ofschool suspensions for pre-K through 3rd grade next school year. Ladue and Normandy committed to doing the same the following year. Saint Louis Public Schools enacted their own ban this school year. The event was organized by Metropolitan Congregations United (MCU), Forward Through Ferguson and a number of other social justice groups. Eliminating racial disparities in school discipline was a recommendation of the Ferguson Commission and has been a focus for MCU for at least two years.

Organizers said the idea was for school leaders to come together and publicly commit to reducing suspensions while they explore alternative discipline polices or pledge to ban suspensions in pre-K through 3rd grade within the next two school years.

“The first step is to actually get districts on board,” said Brittini Gray, lead organizer with MCU, before the assembly. “So this will be a

time to bring the community together to kind of hear where districts are in terms of making commitments publicly.”

Julia Brucks with Ready by 21 helped Gray plan the assembly. She said they wanted to have a joint assembly so they can talk about policy change on a regional level.

“I believe we are as fragmented as we want to be. And so it’s exciting to see our education leaders really come together and say we can address this together,” said Brucks. Gray said MCU and its partners have had conversations with superintendents or assistant superintendents of almost every school district in St. Louis County and St. Charles County about their discipline policies. Representatives from 20 school districts attended the assembly, which was open to the public. In addition to the commitments made by Maplewood Richmond Heights, Normandy and Ladue to ban suspensions, 17 other districts pledged to reduce suspensions

in their early grades while exploring alternatives: Affton, Bayless, Brentwood, Clayton, Ferguson-Florissant, Hancock Place, Hazelwood, Jennings, Kirkwood, Orchard Farm, Pattonville, Ritenour, Special School District, St. Charles City, University City, Webster Groves and Wentzville.

“One of our core reasons for tackling this issue is to deal with the racial disparities that exist,” Gray said. “And that’s true across the region. It’s not as if St. Louis city or Normandy or other North County schools are the only place where this is happening. This is a regional and, quite honestly, a statewide issue. And so we have to be able to take that holistic approach to dismantling the ways that structures create inequitable outcomes, particularly for black and brown children.”

The assembly is planned as a celebration of districts committing to make a change. But Gray and Brucks said there will be much more work in the months ahead to help districts

find the resources to choose alternative methods.

“We’re really excited to have superintendents and assistant superintendents really help shape these next steps in figuring out what do they need in order to be successful to implement this change,” said Brucks.

St. Louis Public Radio reported last year that black students in the region were much more likely than white students to be suspended.

“There isn’t one district that wants to suspend a 5-year-old,” Brucks said. “This is a really complicated issue that can’t be solved overnight, that can’t be solved with one quick policy change. We’re in this for the long haul, and it’s going to require the funding community to come together, practitioners coming together to say how are we already supporting schools. What’s working, what’s not working and how can we work together to close this gap.”

Follow Camille on Twitter @cmpcamille.

Continuing servitude in East St. Louis

By now the shock, awe and embarrassment of Donald Trump’s stunning upset of Hillary Clinton should have begun to subside.

Yes, Trump is president-elect in spite of his vulgarity, lewd insults toward women, racist insults of African Americans, Mexicans, Arab-Americans, his tangential association with the KKK and David Duke, and his selection of Steve Bannon, known for his racist and anti-Semitic rhetoric, as his chief strategist.

And America asked for it. In fact, a majority of white women and one-third of Hispanics voted for Trump, while many African Americans apathetically sat at home in spite of the threat that Trump represented.

But good old Bubba went to the polls and voted, to rescue America from eight years of a black president and the prospect of a woman further hijacking America’s entitlement to have a white male in the White House.

But in Illinois, more specifically St. Clair County, the game pretty much remained the same. Despite the passionate rants of Belleville radio renegade Bob Romanik and the concerted efforts of the non-partisan Freedom Coalition, the Democratic political plantation managed to harvest enough votes to maintain control of their power base, but not without the usual tricks.

It was business as usual, with some Republican challengers actually winning. Then, shortly after midnight, an avalanche of votes from the East St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners were released, paving the way for Democratic incumbents’ victories.

For example, Laninya Cason, a Republican judicial candidate from ESL, was winning by nearly 1,000 votes; that is, until just the right amount of late ESL votes were harvested, resulting in her defeat by about 2,000 votes. Coincidence? Or “poli-tricks”?

There were a couple of upsets, though. Chief Judge John Baricevic and his son C.J., a candidate for the state House, were defeated by Republicans when ESL didn’t produce enough votes to seal their victory.

St. Clair County Chairman Mark Kern won in a close race, despite far outspending his opponent Rodger Cook. But, in winning, Kern will maintain control of the ESL political plantation, which wastes $400,000 annually on an antiquated Board of Elections when that money could be better utilized for additional policing of East Boogie, versus “finding” votes for St. Clair County election bosses.

But, if ESL is ever to be great again, she must cast off the shackles of her political oppression by finally operating in her own best interest and negotiating a new relationship with St. Clair County, not continuing to remain in political servitude.

That new relationship must demand funding for the development of ESL and a safer ESL. This would include a developed East Side riverfront that augments and mirrors the St. Louis riverfront and creates a future and jobs for its citizens, and not just political patronage crumbs on election day.

Email: jtingram_1960@yahoo.com; Twitter@JamesTIngram.

gear,kids’shoes,AllenEdmonds,Brahmin,Birkenstock,Hurley,Johnston&Murphy,Merrell,RVCA,TommyBahama,toys.Cannotbecombinedwithanysavingspass/coupon,extradiscountorcreditofferexceptopeninga

photo by Camille Phillips / St. Louis Public Radio

Editorial /CommEntary

Giving thanks and offering resistance

The Ga people of Ghana, West Africa, begin a celebration in August that continues as a monthlong thanksgiving known as Ga Homowo – the Harvest Festival. Many ethnic groups in Ghana and all over Africa have similar traditions.

Ceremonies and rituals vary, but the purpose is the same – remembering lean times, being thankful for present blessings and praying for future abundance.

There are no written documents to account for the origin of Homowo. But, according to traditional stories, the Ga people emigrated from the Middle East and descended throughout the Sahara to Benin City in Nigeria. They settled there for a time before relocating to Accra, some time between the 14th and 16th centuries.

Legends say the Ga had only a bit of corn and palm oil when they landed, which women ground and mixed together to make kpokpoi. After the men caught fish, the clan enjoyed their first meal after landing – kpokpoi and fish soup.

The immigrants planted millet and corn seeds they had brought with them. Then, they endured a long, lean waiting period while crops matured. When the harvest came, the Ga held a feast and gave thanks to their gods. The first celebration became the Hom Yi Womo, meaning a “hooting at hunger.” Thanksgiving began in the United States in the 17th century as a celebration, a friendly coming-together of European settlers and the indigenous people of North America. The Native Americans had welcomed the pilgrims to this land and shared the vast knowledge they had about the continent’s flora and fauna. They explained planting corn and plowing, and taught the newcomers trapping and fishing.

The vicious assault on Native Americans is not widely discussed anymore. The holiday has come to mean turkey and the trimmings, pre-Christmas sales and football. The history of the brutal process used by Europeans to dispossess Native Americans of their land is not pretty. And now it is almost completely ignored.

In Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad had Marlowe define the “conquest of the earth” as “taking from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves.”

In both sub-Saharan Africa and North America, the native people were mostly cooperative in the early days of European arrival. Nevertheless, conquest and colonization ensued later on both sides of the Atlantic.

Although some of us of African descent in this country now enjoy modest affluence, the overall status of our people must be defined largely in terms of the less fortunate. For those without jobs, without hope or dignity in the ghettos of St. Louis, or the squalor of Soweto or Port-auPrince, Thanksgiving is meaningless and is certainly no holiday. It is mostly a grim reminder of misery and powerlessness.

African Americans should not forget the early occasion that brought this particular holiday into existence in this country. We must dedicate ourselves to remember the “least along us” in a society that has effectively shut out so many of our people. Indeed, we are especially obligated to support policies and initiatives that strengthen family life and enable the poor to share in the nation’s bounty.

Rot at the core of the Democratic Party

By Walle A. Amusa Guest columnist

On November 8, as the election results trickled in, CNN commentator Van Jones publicly asked this question: How do I explain this election to my children? The answer is simple: Tell the truth.

According to tradition, both peoples slaughtered turkeys and made dressing and had a version of cranberry sauce at the first Thanksgiving. They feasted together. During those tough early days for the newcomers, Native Americans extended their hands and opened their hearts. Their hospitality and support helped Europeans survive in an unfamiliar land. We know of the bitter and bloody relationship that developed when conquest and colonization replaced the spirit of sharing and cooperation.

That is more true than ever, with the publisher of a white nationalist established as the chief strategist of the next U.S. president, who ran a hate-filled campaign and is now rewarding the most diehard supporters of that racist, misogynist, xenophobic campaign with cabinet positions.

Let us all give thanks for what blessings we have – and commit ourselves to resisting resurgent white nationalism and male supremacy and working toward a future with greater racial equity, where blessings are more equitably shared.

Democrats must rebuild

Republican Party is fractured by ideological divisions, led by an inexperienced and unpredictable president-elect, and quite possibly headed for a fratricidal civil war. The Democratic Party should be so lucky.

There is much unpleasant reality for Democrats to deal with right now, starting with this: The GOP controls virtually everything. Republicans won the presidency. They retained control of both houses of Congress. Soon, when Donald Trump appoints a replacement for the late Justice Antonin Scalia, they will re-establish a conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court. As far as the federal government is concerned, that’s the whole trifecta.

But there’s much more: After making significant gains last week, Republicans control both legislative chambers in 32 states – and hold the governorships in 33. Some of the nation’s most diverse and populous states, including Texas and Florida, are living under one-party Republican rule.

Democrats should reject the urge to take comfort in favorable demographic trends. It is true that within a generation, minorities will be in the majority – and that minorities tend to vote for Democrats. But what would the country be like after 20 or 30 years of near-total Republican control? I’m sure most progressives would join me in not wanting to run that dangerous experiment.

Did Democrats lose the White House because their presidential candidate had baggage and was not perfect in every way? Come on, the Republicans nominated Trump, a man who bragged about grabbing women by the genitals. I don’t have nearly enough space to list all the ways in which he disqualified himself. Yet he won.

Eugene Robinson

The Republican Party is so splintered – the establishment, the tea party, the fiscal tightwads, the defense hawks, the social conservatives, the libertarians and now the Trumpistas –that sometimes I think of it as Afghanistan, with each faction having its own warlords and grievances and goals. Many of the demands they make upon Trump, House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will be uncompromisingly extreme and mutually exclusive. Yet if Democrats expect to sit back and watch the GOP self-destruct, I fear they will be disappointed. The GOP basically came together behind its candidate. Despite all the Never Trump noise, most prominent Republican officials eventually fell in line. Some voiced strong reservations but said they would vote for him anyway. Others, such as the Bush family, declined

to publicly proclaim their opposition in a way that perhaps might have made a difference.

The Democratic Party cannot hope to succeed by relying solely on its ability to win the popular vote. Democrats have won the popular vote in 1992, 1996, 2000, 2008, 2012 and now 2016. That’s six out of the last seven presidential contests. Yet the Republican Party is running the country, or at least most of it.

The Democratic Party cannot just wait for the next Barack Obama to come along. Democrats need to do what Republicans did, which is to build from the ground up and start winning state and local elections.

A Democratic rebound has to begin with the basics: Getting people who agree with you to vote. Less than 60 percent of those eligible to cast ballots in last week’s election bothered to do so. Conservatives who say this is “a center-right nation” may be right in terms of who votes, but they’re wrong in terms of who could vote. Polls show that the country favors Democratic over Republican positions on most issues.

Trump made a bunch of pie-in-the-sky promises he can never keep. Democrats need a hopeful but realistic message recognizing that while most big cities prosper in today’s globalized economy, much of the rest of the country suffers. Democrats will win when theirs is the “big tent” party. Right now, though, the GOP circus is in town.

Elections have consequences. Elections go to the bestorganized. The Democratic Party in several states failed to organize and mobilize its base around the issues. In essence, the party abandoned its base in many states. Instead, the party focused on Donald Trump’s diversionary insultsof-the-day and on winning over Republican Party leaders and voters for Hillary Clinton. Since 2000, many state Democratic Party organizations across the country have been in various stages of decay. Mostly white consultants seeking commissions from political media buys have taken over the party. Conveniently, Paul Wellstone’s well-tested strategy of spending 70 percent of every dollar on grassroots organizing has been discarded. In its place is a misguided policy of heavy white media buys, negative and ridiculous ads, fake and contrived internal polls, meaningless national polls, and the abandonment of the core issues that energize the base.

In 2008 and 2012, candidate and President Barack Obama knew about these structural

weaknesses in the state party organizations. With a powerful message of hope and a progressive agenda, he built a broad coalition outside of the decrepit Democratic Party organizations in order to inspire and galvanize voters.

In 2016, though the Clinton campaign had a progressive agenda, the campaign did not issue a single inspirational or profoundly aspirational message, nor did the campaign build a real coalition around the issues and the historic nature of her candidacy. Jane Adams once accused the nation’s founders of setting up a system that does not require men of virtue for the system to function. The Clinton campaign and pundits, despite

n Mostly white consultants seeking commissions from political media buys have taken over the Democratic Party.

many warnings, miscalculated and focused on the “temperament” of Trump. In a country deeply rooted in the savagery of slavery, racism and sexism, it is unrealistic to think that temperament or bigotry is a disqualifying factor for a major party nominee. The eventual unity of the Republican Party around their nominee is a testament to the fallacy of this exercise in self-deception.

The Clinton campaign made no spirited or focused

defense of the incredible record of achievement of President Obama. The campaign ignored a vicious GOP agenda, and the fact that a large number of Republican U. S. senators up for re-election would translate to a fierce and robust Republican voter turnout effort. In those states where candidates and the state Democratic Party built real coalitions, as in Nevada and Colorado, the party candidates prevailed over their Republican opponents.

In states like Missouri, where the state Democratic Party organization essentially collapsed several years ago, the party candidates suffered their worst loss margins in more than 30 years. Abandoned, disillusioned, unorganized and uninspired Democratic voters simply stayed home. Today, we must honestly face the fact that there is a multi-faceted rot at the core of the Democratic Party in many states across the nation. This rot affects all decisions and the allocation of electoral resources. The rot must be consciously expunged if the party’s losses at the legislative and executive levels are to be reversed.

The failures of the state Democratic Party organizations put the lives, rights and vital interests of African Americans and other working families at risk.

The time has come for broad and strategic reviews of state Democratic Party organizations, their recent failures, and a delineation of the steps necessary to rebuild and restore the fighting spirit of this party.

Most diverse incoming Congress ever

We are proud to deliver the most diverse incoming Congress in history. Perspectives matter, and our women bring much-needed voices to Congress to lead on policies that matter to women and families. In addition to ushering in the most women ever to Congress, we also worked to shatter other important glass ceilings.

Catherine Cortez Masto will be the first Latina in the Senate; Kamala Harris will be the first Indian American in the Senate and second African-American woman in the Senate; Tammy Duckworth will be the first Thai American in the Senate; Pramila Jayapal will be the first Indian American woman in Congress; Lisa Blunt Rochester will be the first woman and person of color elected to Congress from Delaware; Nanette Diaz Barragán will be the first Latina elected to represent California’s 44th District; Val Demings will be the first woman and woman of color elected to represent Florida’s Tenth District; and Stephanie Murphy will be the first Vietnamese American woman elected to Congress and first woman and person of color to represent Florida’s Seventh District.

Each of these new voices is a beacon of hope for our movement. One-third of

2315 Pine Street, St. Louis, MO, 63103. Phone: 314-533-8000 / Fax: 314-533-2332

EMILY’s List-endorsed candidates were women of color this cycle and our WOMEN VOTE! program spent 40 percent of its nonpresidential independent expenditure budget on women of color candidates, working to turn out voters in key campaigns.

Stephanie Schriock president, EMILY’s List

Her voice will be missed

Our hearts are deeply saddened upon hearing news of the sudden passing of renowned journalist Gwen Ifill. Regarded as one of the most prominent African-American journalists in the country, Ms. Ifill began her news career in the 1970s during a time when there were very few African-American and female journalists. She was a trailblazer in media and went on to serve as the moderator and managing editor of Washington Week and co-anchor and managing editor of the PBS NewsHour. She was also a bestselling author and moderator of two vice presidential debates.

Ms. Ifill was among the nation’s finest political correspondents as she was gracious and poised when addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the country. Her voice will be

missed among journalism and broadcasts, but her legacy will continue to have a lasting impact on how we view news and journalism today. We offer our sincere condolences to Ms. Ifill’s family, friends, followers and colleagues around the world.

G. K. Butterfield, chairman Congressional Black Caucus

We can change future elections

A lot of people believe the media has fueled the hatred and division in the country. I am writing this to MANY news outlets across the nation. Let’s offer a solution to the 60-plus million Americans who voted for Hillary Clinton. The division is clear in the nation. The riots and protesting will not solve anything. I am spreading the word about National Popular Vote. I have reached out to hundreds of people, organizations and politicians to let the nation know about National Popular Vote. We can’t change what has happened in this election, but we can change future elections. Please help me to spread the word. Help the majority be heard! We are not red states or blue states, we are the United States!

Leigh Kaufman O’Fallon

Columnist

Student recognizes principal for recognizing diversity

Hazelwood West High School senior, Shahd Alyasiry, recently reached out to Hazelwood School District administrators to recognize Hazelwood West High Principal Dennis Newell for his openness towards different cultures. Newell recently attended a worship service at the invitation of several of his students, who are Muslim.

“The Muslims here at Hazelwood West wanted to recognize Mr. Newell for his openness and how he honors diversity,” said Alyasiry. “Mr. Newell takes time from his day to support his students, despite their different beliefs.” Newell joined in on a service during the Eid al-Adha Holiday. Eid al-Adha commemorates when God appeared to Abraham. The day begins with morning prayers. The celebrations continue with visits to friends and family, exchange of gifts, and feasts. During his visit to the mosque, Newell ran into several of his former students all of whom were happy and surprised to see him there.

“I felt quite welcomed when I visited the mosque,” said Newell. “Other worshippers including, my former students came up to welcome me and thank me for attending.”

Women of Achievement is calling for nominations

Women of Achievement is calling for nominations for the 2017 Class of Honorees. The St. Louis Women of Achievement Award, which celebrates its 62nd anniversary in 2017, is the oldest ongoing program in the area whose sole mission is to honor and recognize the volunteer service and volunteer leadership of women.

Eligible individuals are female volunteers from the St. Louis metropolitan area, including Metro East Illinois, who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the betterment of the St. Louis region through voluntary contributions, volunteer leadership and a significant breadth of a volunteer career. Self-nominations are accepted.

The deadline for receipt of nominations is Monday, January 16. Nominations may be submitted online or via email, mail, fax or hand delivery to MAC Meetings and Events. Online submissions are preferred, and early submissions are also encouraged. Online submissions and printable nomination forms with full details are available at www.woastl.org/nominate.php. For specific questions about the nomination process, contact Women of Achievement President Joni Karandjeff at 314-799-6465 or jonik13@sbcglobal.net.

Expanding inclusion in Missouri

By Robin Smith

The St. Louis American

I would like to thank the Editorial Board of The St. Louis American for supporting me – as the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King would say, not because of the color of my skin, but rather for the content of my character. We have a lot to be proud of as the result of the primary and in the general election in 2016. Our campaign marked many firsts in Missouri history:

1. The first person of color to ever win the Democratic or Republican nomination in the August primary for any statewide office.

2. The first person of color to capture 77 percent of the vote statewide in the August primary in. The Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Chris Koster captured 78 percent of that same vote. The huge difference is that I am a political outsider and did not spend one penny on TV, radio nor newspaper ads. Koster is a career politician who had spent tens of millions of dollars on media buys over 22 years, and he only garnered 1 percent more than I.

3. The first person of color to win in all 114 counties in any political party for any statewide office in the August primary.

4. The first person of color to run on the Democratic or Republican ticket statewide in the November general election.

5. The first person of color in any political party to bring in over one million voters in the November general election.

6. The first person of color in any political party to be honored with contributions of over $645,000 in a statewide race.

7. I am also the first person of color to garner a higher percentage of votes statewide than the party’s presidential candidate. I brought in 38 percent of the vote statewide; Hillary Clinton brought in 37 percent.

Please know that you are part of changing history in Missouri. What remains the sad and ugly truth is that there has never been one single person of color elected to any statewide office in the history of Missouri. Every person who has ever held the office of Missouri governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer or attorney general has been white. It is a shameful fact that is true of only 10 states in America. It is a glass ceiling that must be shattered one day soon in Missouri. We deeply appreciate your commitment, endorsement and support of our campaign. You have helped to change the course of history in Missouri. Know that we can change history again in Missouri in the future when we all work together. I am looking to a future of expanding inclusion in Missouri.

Robin Smith was the 2016 Democratic nominee for Missouri secretary of state.

Robin Smith

SALUTE

5,000 employees nationwide.

“We train our managers in honing inclusive behavior.”

In his closing remark, Holt – who himself made no reference to politics – sounded like a progressive Democratic candidate. “It takes all of us to imagine the possibilities of what we can accomplish together,” Holt said.

When he had finished, Daniel took the mic and went off-script. “That’s who this country is,” she said, “and who we want it to be.”

The shadow of Trump, Bannon and what their rule could mean for a diverse America was cast over the entire networking luncheon.

Sandra M. Moore, president of Urban Strategies and 2016 Non-Profit Executive of the Year, talked about her company’s experience “working in the toughest neighborhoods, the most distressed communities,” trying to “improve conditions for low- and middle-income families.” Then she read a series of devastating statistics

STUDENTS

Continued from A1

Continued from A1 incident. Two students were disciplined for their actions. However, Walker said during Wednesday’s protest that one of the students who were disciplined happily bragged about no longer being suspended on Monday because his mother “got him out of it.”

“I literally had a mental breakdown in the middle of the school day yesterday,” Walker told students at Wednesday’s walkout.

However, district spokesperson Susan Downing said both students served the entire disciplinary action. She said that though the district

about the prevalence of poverty in America. “That’s what we need to focus on,” Moore said, “letting nothing in the noise distract us.”

No one in the room doubted that the name of “the noise” was Donald Trump. The 2016 Corporate Executive of the Year, Willie Epps Jr., is a living, breathing example of diversity. Presently associate general counsel and head of litigation at Edward Jones, he previously was partner at two majority Missouri-based law firms, Dowd Bennett and Shook, Hardy & Bacon. One of his most extended thank-yous was given to a white mentor in the audience, Ed Dowd, partner at Dowd Bennett.

Yet the video about Epps, produced by Rebecca Rivas of The American, included a bracing reminder of the civil rights era which the United States may be poised to go through all over again. Epps told how his maternal grandfather, David French Bacon, led a petition effort to desegregate the schools in his small Mississippi town in 1955. In retaliation, the signatories lost their jobs, his grandfather’s

cannot divulge complete details of their discipline, suspension is not the only disciplinary measure the district can and does take.

Also on November 10, a black student, age 15, was burned by another student at the high school during art class using a hot glue gun –once on the arm, and again on the posterior when the student squirted hot glue on the victim’s seat, “causing serious injury,” according to the district.

Gabriel Vazques, 17, was charged as an adult with thirddegree assault, according to Ladue Police. The victim’s mother, Lynette Ursery, identified the perpetrator on Facebook as “a Caucasian student,” but the district identified him as

truck was bombed in the family driveway and the house was stoned.

Epps said, “My mom” –who was in the Salute audience at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis – “was nine years old at the time.”

The 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year, Larry W. Lee, also praised his family, but in more homely terms as founders of the business, Andy’s Seasoning, that he runs as president and CEO. His mother

Hispanic. The police identified the youth as “of Hispanic origin” and noted that he was born in Puerto Rico. The incident was not reported to the teacher during class, according to the district, but the burn was noticed by the eighth-period teacher who sent the student to the nurse.

On Friday morning, November 11, Assistant Principal Beth Rapoff investigated the incident, including speaking with the students involved, a witness and the teacher. She consulted with Principal Brad Griffith to determine the appropriate disciplinary consequences. The district said Ursery met with an administrator and the art teacher about the incident on Friday morning, the later talked to Rapoff by telephone and a

Emcee Carol Daniel and Kathy Osborn, executive director of the St. Louis Regional Business Council, flank Matt Holt, vice president of human resources at Dot Foods (the 2016 Corporate Diversity Award recipient) at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 2016 Salute to Excellence in Business Luncheon, held Thursday, November 17 at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis.

Photo by Wiley Price

Katherine Anderson and stepfather Reuben Anderson founded the company in their home in 1981 with one product. Now Andy’s Seasoning makes 13 products and distributes them in 44 states.

Lee drew a loud, appreciative response when he recalled his stepfather lecturing him as a youth about the necessity of hard work when he landed his first job at a local department store.

“Look,” Lee remembered

referral to law enforcement was discussed. Ursery filed charges on Saturday, November 12.

“This is sickening, what is happening to our children and the response and action the district is taking when it comes to African-American students,” Ursery posted on Facebook. “It saddens me.”

A student, who did not wish to be named, confronted a school official at the November 16 rally and made the same claim.

“I’m only a sophomore, yet I’ve had so many racial issues already,” the student said. “From the two years that I have been here, I’ve already had so many racial issues –and the only time you have done something about it is when you get busted for it.”

the lecture, “they hired you to work. They didn’t hire you to make friends. They didn’t hire you to like it. They hired you to work. So, work.”

Three 2016 Business Performance Awards also were given to Marvin Mitchell, president and founder of Compass Retirement Solutions; Annette Morris, head of diversity, inclusion and gender balance with Nestle Purina PetCare Company; and JoAnna Schooler, senior director of

Shante Lyons, American history and African-American studies teacher at the high school, counseled the students at the rally.

“We need to be smart, we need to be proactive and we need to put ourselves in a space where we can be most successful, let our voices be heard,” Lyons said. “The people are hearing us. But we need to be focused right now. So what are the steps we can take to put us in the most productive situation possible?”

Downing, the district spokesperson, told The American that the district brought in equity and diversity students to speak with students “to get administrators out of the way and get some real input on what they feel.” She said administrators also were

internal communications and community relations for Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. Two $2,500 scholarships were awarded to students at Harris-Stowe State University’s Anheuser-Busch School of Business: Ciara Harris, who is pursuing a degree in accounting, and Brandon Curtis, a business administration major. Bert and Carol Walker donated the funds for these scholarships. The 17th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Luncheon was presented by the St. Louis American Foundation in partnership with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and the St. Louis Regional Chamber. World Wide Technology was the lead sponsor. The Salute tradition is for the event’s main awardee to invite his or her pastor to bless the food before the meal. In this case, the main awardee, Larry W. Lee, also is pastor at Agape Christian Center, so he gave the blessing himself. He prayed to God that “our relationships be strengthened, our lives advanced and that we remember those less fortunate than ourselves.”

meeting with officials from the NAACP.

Asked if the district was making the connection to the election of Trump and his abusive use of language during the campaign when talking to students and parents, Downing said they feared that making any connection to Trump would only “make it more divisive. We are just making it clear what expectations we have for student character and behavior and what we stand for.”

She said the district has had “a lot of piecemeal things” on diversity and equity and will now pursue a more “concerted effort. But we want to be thoughtful about what that looks like.”

EVANS

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were no longer going to beg for our rights, we were going to take what was ours.”

In her profile in the 1999 book “Lift Every Voice and Sing” about local AfricanAmerican leaders, Ms. Evans modestly recalled her role as being “involved in civil rights quite a bit,” noting that she “felt good about every moment.”

Ms. Evans, who lived at her home in North St. Louis for more than 40 years, died Friday, November 18, 2016 after a brief commitment to hospice. She was 84.

Activist, organizer, district director

A school field trip may have sparked her activism and her career choice. Her class at Lincoln Elementary visited Chicago’s Hull-House, a settlement house co-founded by pioneering social worker Jane Addams. Nearby was a huge amusement park, like the Forest Park Highlands. The Highlands was one of the many places in St. Louis where African Americans still could not go when Ms. Evans was a girl. As she grew up, she never forgot the work of Addams –and how far her class had to go to enjoy an amusement park.

In 1955, shortly after receiving her master’s degree from the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University – one of the first black women to graduate from that prestigious institution – Ms. Evans went to work at Sherwood Forest, an all-white, all-female youth camp in Troy, Missouri. She was the camp’s first AfricanAmerican counselor. She soon began working at United Church of Christ Neighborhood Houses. When not at the settlement house, she was becoming increasingly active in civil rights.

“Norman Seay, Bill Clay and I worked to open up places around St. Louis for blacks,” Ms. Evans said in her profile in “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Those places included Howard Johnson’s, White Castle and, in 1963, Jefferson Bank. When the bank demonstrators were jailed for demanding white-collar jobs for blacks, a small group of African-American women worked behind the scenes to publicize their plight and to raise bail money. The group included Ms. Evans, Gwen Giles (who became a state senator) and Margaret Bush Wilson (who became a noted civil rights attorney).

The following year, Ms. Evans and journalist Betty Lee went to Jackson, Mississippi, to commemorate the first anniversary of the assassination of national civil rights leader Medgar Evers. She recalled a hazardous trip in A Magazine They lay on the floor of the car during the ride to Evers’ brother’s house as whites in a car following them fired shots. Back in St. Louis, the two friends were soon in jail together. Inmates in the city jail were protesting their living conditions by setting mattresses on fire. Ms. Evans and Lee were called on to help quell the unrest. As they negotiated on behalf of the prisoners, they were pepper-sprayed and hosed.

“I have never gotten over what the police department did,” Ms. Evans said in her profile. “But we got it settled.” In 1965, she marched in Alabama with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from Selma to Montgomery, in the fight for black voting rights. That same year, Clay was enlisted to recruit Ms. Evans

to work as a public service commissioner in the A.J. Cervantes administration. She initially rejected the offer, even though the job came with a hefty pay increase.

“It took me two lunches and a dinner before she took the job,” Clay laughed. For seven years, Ms. Evans worked as a commissioner of housing and relocation for St. Louis, providing social services to the elderly and families. Then Clay came calling again.

She had worked as a volunteer when Clay first ran for Congress in 1968. Now he wanted her to work for him full-time as his district aide and run the William L. Clay Scholarship and Research Fund. She agreed.

The city’s black committeemen balked.

“The ugly head of sexism reared,” Clay wrote in his book “Bill Clay: A Political Voice at the Grassroots,” but he would not relent.

“I said, ‘She’s going to run my office’,” Clay said recently. And for 26 years, she did just that.

Ms. Evans, by all accounts, became one of the most powerful congressional aides in the state, if not the nation, and she wielded that power with a combination of honey and vinegar.

“She was very effective in convincing people, and the ones she didn’t convince, she

instilled a certain amount of fear,” Clay recalled with a laugh.

In time, Clay said, the men who originally objected to Ms. Evans, along with many others, sought her advice and counsel, especially about the census and redistricting, areas in which she became an expert. Clay credits her in helping to develop the political strategy that helped to elect numerous Democrats to office.

Over the years, Ms. Evans became highly sought-after as a coordinator and political strategist for many of the region’s black officeholders, including Comptroller Darlene Green, former Mayor Freeman Bosley Jr. and former Circuit

When Clay followed Ms. Evans into retirement in 2000, his son, Wm. Lacy Clay, succeeded him; Ms. Evans was Lacy Clay’s campaign manager.

Turtle philosophy

Pearlie Ingram Evans, who traced her roots to the Fulani people in West Africa, was born February 16, 1932, in Dell, Arkansas. She was the daughter of a bricklayer, Oscar Ingram Jr., and Dora Jackson Ingram. The family moved to the south side of St. Louis when Ms. Evans was still in grade school.

She graduated from Vashon

Homegoing service is Saturday

The Homegoing Service for Pearlie Evans will be held Saturday, November 26, with visitation at 9 a.m., the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Ivy Beyond the Wall ceremony at 10:00 a.m. and services at 11 a.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, 1210 Locust St. Rev. Starsky Wilson is officiating.

Cunningham and Moore Funeral Home is taking care of arrangements. Memorials would be appreciated to the William L. Clay Scholarship and Research Fund, POB 4693, St. Louis, MO 63108, and Community Women Against Hardship, CWAH.org.

High School and then earned a degree in sociology and political science from Lincoln University. While attending Lincoln University, Ms. Evans became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In 2000, she would be appointed by Gov. Mel Carnahan to serve on the Board of Curators of her alma mater.

In 1955, Ms. Evans was one of only two AfricanAmerican women in her class at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work, where she earned her master’s degree and later served as a practicum instructor. When a school-sponsored event at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel barred African Americans, Evans and a few friends picketed the hotel.

Ms. Evans traveled the world with a purpose. In the early 1970s, she was a consultant for the Rutgers University Forum for International Studies in Accra, Ghana. She attended conferences and cultural seminars throughout Africa, Europe and Asia and directed day camps for children and adult sugar cane workers for the YWCA in Jamaica.

For many years, Ms. Evans represented Missouri’s First Congressional District at Democratic National Conventions and she served as the Missouri coordinator for voter registration with Operation Big Vote. She was honored as a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha and the NAACP.

Ms. Evans was a prolific collector of turtles and drew wisdom from them. In a Washington University Magazine article in 1996, she explained why: “The turtle has to stick its neck out, but it always covers its tail when it does.” She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Cornelius “Carl” Ingram and her former husband, Johnnie P. Evans. Survivors include a cousin, Toni Featherstone. Shortly before her death, she talked with Congressman Clay by phone. A longtime friend, Rosalind Guy, said she overheard the conversation.

“He told her how good she was,” Guy said, “and she told him to be strong.”

Clerk Mavis Thompson.

Pearlie Evans joined then-Harris-Stowe State University President Henry Givens Jr., Earl Wilson Jr., Carol Clay and Congressman Bill Clay in the summer of 2009 when Harris-Stowe named its new early childhood center after Congressman Clay.

Photo by Carl Bruce

Harris, students at Harris-Stowe State University’s Anheuser-Busch School of Business, with funds provided graciously by Bert and Carol Walker.

17th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon

Nearly 500 guests attended the sold out 17th annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon on November 17 at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. World Wide Technology served as the lead sponsor for the event which was co-presented by the St. Louis American Foundation, St. Louis Regional Chamber and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

Larry Lee, president & CEO of Andy’s Seasoning, was honored as the 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year. Willie Epps Jr., Head of Litigation at Edward Jones, received the 2016 Corporate Executive of the Year award and Sandra Moore, president of Urban Strategies, received the 2016 Non-Proit Executive of the Year award. Three individuals received Excellence in Business Performance awards; Marvin Mitchell of Compass Retirement, Annette Morris of Nestle Purina and JoAnna Schooler of Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. This year’s recipient of the Corporate Diversity Award was Dot foods. KMOX’s Carol Daniel served as emcee of the 17th annual luncheon.

Photos By Wiley Price

At the luncheon, The St. Louis American Foundation awarded two $2,500 scholarships to Brandon Curtis and Ciara

RBC’s Kathy Osborn Jennifer Grandberry and Eric Madkins

Bi-State Development’s Ken Franklin

Barbara Sills, Katrice Kendle, Top 25 awardee Eric Bailey of EMED, Monica Bailey and Angie Hayes

Sandra Moore receives the 2016 Non-Profit Executive of the Year award from emcee Carol Daniel.

Entertainer Ron Wilkinson

Monica Millien and World Wide Technology’s Juanita Logan

Awardee Sandra Moore with McCormack Baron Salazar’s Richard Baron

Eric Moore and Allie Cicotte

2015 Entrepreneur of the Year Karl Grice with Emily Baron Bernstein

2016 Corporate Executive of the Year Willie Epps

Larry Lee receives the 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year award from emcee Carol Daniel.

Top 25 awardee Gus Stuart of Centrex with Dana Scott Person, Hortense Haliburton, Ron Sangster and Ted McMillan

The 2016 Excellence in Business Performance awardees: JoAnna Schooler, Annette Morris and Marvin Mitchell

World Wide Technology’s Juanita Logan

Mark Darrell, Deanna Taylor and Ana Stringfellow

Awardee Willie Epps and St. Louis City Treasurer Tishaura Jones Vinod Patel and Kathy JonesDiana Daily, Cameron Cobb and Nikki Smith

Bob Fox and Linda Clark

Sundra and Alexander BrownRobyn Heidger, Michael Wilson and Julian Magee

Emily Pitts

Bryson Pate and Angela Lewis

Virvus Jones and Top 25

awardee Cory Elliott of CMT Roofing

Stephanie Weiler, Lisa Huck, Pamela Kelly, Dot Foods Matt Holt and Kelly Oliver (Dot Foods was the 2016 Corporate Diversity Award recipient)

Top 25 awardee Nate Johnson of Real Estate Solutions with Mike Jones

Mulugheta Teferi, Barbara Bowman, Top 25 awardee Nicole Adewale of ABNA Engineering, and Larry Thomas

Children’s Hospital reaches out

Listening to hard truths for the betterment of children’s health

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

St. Louis Children’s Hospital recently conducted community outreach sessions about health needs of area children and how to address those needs. Over a year ago during previous unrelated listening sessions, hospital’s community and faith advisory board members were hearing stories about what has happened to black people and health care in St. Louis.

n St. Louis Children’s Hospital recently conducted community outreach sessions about health needs of area children and how to address those needs.

“Some of our leaders … were unaware of some of the atrocities and things that have happened to the black community,” Kel Ward, manager of community relations at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, said.

“Once different advisory board members started talking –everybody started sharing stories about their grandmother, their granddaddy – and they started sharing stories about BJC, when it was [separate hospitals] Jewish... and it was Barnes, and how black people were treated.” Advisory board members encouraged hospital leadership to reach out to the community. Hospital leadership wanted to find out more, and hear it firsthand. Following a community forum two weeks earlier, a listening session took place Nov. 10 at Gore Educational Center in Jennings School District. Educators,

hospital administrators, community leadership and family members attended it.

“Tonight is where we get feedback on how to move forward,” Ward said.

District residents were able to share from the perspective of those with students in the district as well as those without, Superintendent Art McCoy said, and it was good for awareness.

“People didn’t know how Children’s Hospital cares about the community – and they didn’t know the degree of specialization was available. The empathy they show and

the research is very in-depth,” McCoy said. “Overall, residents feel like their voices were heard and they made good contacts and connections.”

The second listening session was held after church on Sunday, Nov. 13 at Saint John’s Church (The Beloved Community) in St. Louis, hosted by Rev. Starsky Wilson and moderated by Amy Hunter. Rev. Wilson told The American he was pleased that congregants had a chance to talk about their experiences in

n The Foundation recognized the importance of reducing tobacco use through our nine-year Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Initiative.

While politics might still remain in the forefront of our minds, it’s essential that our focus turns forward to the crucial task at hand – improving the health and well-being of communities and people most in need in our region. We have much to do. Unfortunately, Missouri is well below average among states on most health measures. And health in the United States overall lags behind almost all other developed countries. Given that we spend nearly twice as much on health care as comparable nations, these statistics are even starker. And while we’ve seen some improvements in our health and health care efforts as a country, there’s still a ways to go regarding access and outcomes. I think that we’d all agree as Americans that we can do better. Seeing an opportunity to further the national interest and inform a new administration, the prestigious National Academy of Medicine (NAM) undertook an initiative, Vital Directions for Health and Health Care, to offer pathways for improvement. Leading experts in 19 working groups produced papers in three broad areas: better health and well-being, high-value health care, and strong science and technology. Many of the ideas presented apply to Missouri, but I’d like to focus on two of the papers because both had an author from Saint Louis, and both highlight health topics with work ongoing in our state. Ross Brownson, professor at the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University, co-authored the article, “Chronic Disease Prevention: Tobacco Avoidance, Physical Activity, and Nutrition for a Healthy Start ” It highlights the fact that chronic disease is responsible for the vast majority of morbidity, mortality, and costs of U.S. health care, yet many chronic diseases can be prevented. Unfortunately, preventive care has not been prioritized by our health care system. Reducing tobacco use, increasing physical activity, and improving access to nutritious food for children are all cost-effective approaches. The Foundation recognized the importance of reducing tobacco use through our nine-year Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Initiative, which led to an estimat-

Robert Hughes

A10

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOVEMBER 24 – 30, 2016

Ebony Jones and her children, Elexia Allen and Jeremiah Allen attend a listening session at the Gore Educational Center by St. Louis Children’s Hospital for Jennings area families on November 10.

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Wiley Price

Community leaders and educators discuss children’s health needs in the Jennings School District with St. Louis Children’s Hospital leadership as moderator Rebecca Bennett looks on.

HealtH Briefs

Free children’s flu shots

St. Louis County hosts influenza vaccination clinics for kids

The Saint Louis County Department of Public Health wants to make sure children have an opportunity to receive a free seasonal flu vaccine. It is hosting free Influenza Vaccination Clinics for children ages 2 through 18 at each of its community health centers.

The seasonal flu vaccine offers protection against different flu types.

“Getting the influenza vaccination is the best way protect children and their families from seasonal flu”, County Executive Steve Stenger said.

The first clinic took place last Saturday at South County Community Health Center.

The next clinic will be held Saturday, December 3 from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at North Central Community Health Center in Pine Lawn, 4000 Jennings Station Road (62131).

The flu vaccine clinic at John C. Murphy Community Health Center in Berkeley, Mo. will take place Saturday, December 10 from 9:30 a.m. – 2:00p.m., 6121 North Hanley Road (63134).

Certain children will not be able to receive the influenza vaccination at these clinics:

• hildren who have taken influenza-antiviral drugs 48 hours prior to the vaccination date

• Children who are allergic to eggs

• Children ages 2 to 4 who have asthma or a history of wheezing in the past 12 months, and

• Children who have chronic health issues

If your children have any of the conditions listed above, please talk to your health care provider about other vaccination options and ways to protect your children during the flu season. Others interested in being vaccinated, find out where they can go for seasonal flu vaccinations at www.SaintLouisCountyFlu.com.

Health Brief

AAFA local school asthma program helps students breathe easier

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, St. Louis Chapter (AAFA-STL) recently presented key data about the effectiveness of using asthma medicine and equipment in schools in the St. Louis area served through its RESCUE comprehensive asthma program. RESCUE, or Resources for Every School Confronting Unexpected Emergencies is AAFA-STL’s school nurse program. It was developed by the agency after a 2012 law in Missouri was enacted establish-

DOCTOR

Continued from A10

ing protocol for trained personnel in schools to stock and administer asthma rescue medication to any student experiencing an asthma emergency in the school setting. Participating schools in AAFA-STL’s six-county service area are supplied with asthma supplies and given access to free rescue medicine through the school nurse program. “Our RESCUE program,

n (AAFA-STL) recently presented key data about the effectiveness of using asthma medicine and equipment in schools in the St. Louis area.

coupled by effective legislation, has kept kids in school and out of the emergency rooms in our state,” said AAFASTL Executive Director, Joy Krieger. According to the outcomes reported by schools, asthma equipment was utilized 1,357

times during the 2013-2014 school year, with students going back to class 86 percent of the time, sent home 11 percent of the time, and sent to the emergency room just 1 percent of the time (90 schools). During the 2014-2015 school year, equipment was used 1,720 times, with students going back to class 85 percent of the time, sent home 11 percent of the time, and sent to

the ER 3 percent of the time (124 schools).

Krieger said Missouri is the first state in the country to have passed this type of law, and to have implemented such a cutting-edge program.

The findings were presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting, held November 10-14 in San Francisco.

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the health care system, including barriers that come from behaviors and institutional challenges that create barriers, including a workforce that is not reflective of the community and inequities in treatment in emergency rooms.

“Two of my congregants both have young adult children – one is African American and the other is white. One got ‘hotlined’ and the other got support services.” The two women were sitting at the same table, Wilson said, adding it was helpful and powerful for executive leadership to hear these things directly.

“It was powerful to hear executive leadership apologize for these historic inequities and to commit to further listening and strategizing to the community responding to community concerns in hiring and in health care practice.”

A third listening session was held on Nov. 20 at St. John AME Church on Kingshighway, hosted by Senior Pastor Lee Clayton Goodman, Esq. and moderated by Rebeccah Bennett.

Steve Lipstein, president and CEO at BJC HealthCare, co-authored the article, “Workforce for 21st Century Health and Health Care.” This

ed lifetime medical care savings of $108 million and nearly 40 new smoke-free policies. Our ongoing childhood obesity initiative, Healthy Schools Healthy Communities, works with nearly 30,000 students in 33 school districts across the state to increase physical activity and improve nutrition at school, home, and in the community. These are just two examples of how we are promoting healthy habits and new ways of thinking about preventive care.

timely piece poses the idea that, with large changes already taking place in the health care sector, now is an opportunity for us to fundamentally alter the occupational structure of its delivery. The article explains that our current system is not organized to simultaneously promote population health, treat major episodes of illness and injury, effectively address chronic diseases, and care for

patients at the end of life. We require a system with people in new roles working together in teams that are designed to meet patient needs. Appropriate technology – especially telehealth – needs to be integrated into our systems of care. Here in Missouri, telemedicine has promising applications, especially in rural areas, which you can learn more about

from our Policy team. We at MFH are continuously working with a variety of community partners to experiment and research new strategies to offer care that is efficient, cost effective, and leads to better outcomes.

NAM’s Vital Directions initiative is a treasure trove of ideas for improvements in health and health care. Though it was prepared to be used at the national level, the content is just as relevant and insightful for our state in particular. Perhaps, by carefully selecting ideas that are the best fit for Missouri, we can move up the ranks of states in achieving positive health outcomes for our residents.

Robert Hughes is president and CEO of Missouri Foundation for Health

FBI STL still committed to investigating civil rights crimes and domestic terrorism

In light of the concerns raised by many people to The St. Louis American following the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president, the following question was submitted to William Woods, special agent in charge of the FBI St. Louis Division:

“Many people we have heard from believe the director of the FBI, James Comey helped decide the presidential election for Donald Trump, whose campaign antagonized immigrants and Muslims, among other groups. This has left many people feeling unusually vulnerable to civil rights violations and domestic terrorism under a Trump presidency, given fears of both Trump and the FBI’s future commitment to upholding its duty to investigate these matters. Without commenting on whether Comey is pro-Trump and whether Trump will tolerate or encourage civil rights violations and domestic terrorism against vulnerable groups, would Mr. Woods be willing to state unequivocally that the St. Louis office remains committed to thoroughly investigating assaults on civil rights and domestic terrorism within the St. Louis district?” Woods, who was out of town when the question was received, replied through a spokesperson. This is his complete response:

only our mission, but our duty. Politics does not dictate what the FBI investigates. Federal law determines what the FBI investigates. This is why Congress legislated the appointment of the FBI director to 10 years, to insulate the bureau from politics. We do not base our investigations on what the public wants to hear or what the public thinks happened, we conduct our investigations based on where evidence and facts lead us.

“These are not just words, but our actions. For example, in 2008, the FBI suspended formal partnership with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). We advised CAIR leadership of the suspension due to the fact that CAIR was named an unindicted co-conspirator in the case of United States v. Holy Land Foundation. CAIR leadership failed to answer questions about a connection between their executives and HAMAS, a designated terrorist organization. Until these questions are answered, the FBI does not consider CAIR an appropriate partner for formal liaison activities and events. Importantly, this does not preclude CAIR from bringing information about possible civil rights violations to our attention.

William Woods, special agent in charge of the FBI St. Louis Division, and other regional public safety officials made a joint announcement was to unveil

“Mission SAVE,” a new initiative to reduce violence in the St. Louis area, on July 20, 2015.

National Council of Churches “un-American.” “They may have taken positions that I consider to be averse to the security interests of the United States,” Sessions testified. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 10-8 against Sessions’ nomination, making him the second nominee in 50 years to be rejected for a federal judgeship.

Sessions became attorney general of Alabama in 1994, and was elected to the Senate in 1996. Sessions went on to be the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee –the very panel that had rejected him years earlier.

He has the support of one of Missouri’s two senators. “Jeff Sessions is a true friend, a respected colleague, and a dedicated public servant,” U.S. Senator Roy Blunt said in a statement. “I fully support Mr. Trump’s intention to nominate Sen. Sessions to be the next United States attorney general.”

Clay tells Trump to rescind Bannon

“The FBI is made up of a diverse group of people with different backgrounds (i.e., religious beliefs, ethnicities and political affiliations) who swore to uphold the Constitution. Two of the top priorities for the FBI are investigating civil rights violations and domestic terrorism. It’s not

“In St. Louis, I have two employees who coordinate outreach to the communities we serve. In fact, every FBI field office has similar personnel doing this important work. The FBI invests significant time and energy to conduct these efforts because the public needs to first understand what we investigate in order for victims to come forward. These investments pay off because

we have developed strong relationships with leaders in diverse communities. However, I am disheartened and frustrated that so much misinformation, misrepresentation and uninformed speculation have led to the concerns you described. I am extending an open invitation to community leaders to meet with me to discuss their concerns. It is vital they hear accurate information first-hand to set the record straight.”

To schedule a meeting with William Woods, special agent in charge of the FBI St. Louis Division, call 314-589-2500

The field office is located at 2222 Market St.

Trump’s AG pick called NAACP ‘un-American’

The FBI is an agency within the Department of Justice, which is led by the attorney general, a presidential appointee that must be ratified by the U.S. Senate. On Friday, November 18, Trump named the official he would like to make the new boss for Comey and Woods: U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama). If he is confirmed, what implications would that have for the FBI and DOJ generally in investigating and prosecuting civil rights violations and domestic terrorism?

Thirty years ago, when he was a 39-year-old U.S. attorney in Alabama, Sessions was denied a federal judgeship. He was rejected after the Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony during hearings in March and May 1986 that Sessions had made racist remarks and called the NAACP and ACLU “un-American.”

CNN reported that Thomas Figures, a black assistant U.S. attorney who worked for Sessions, testified that Sessions called him “boy” on multiple occasions and joked about the Ku Klux Klan, saying that he thought Klan members were “OK, until he learned that they smoked marijuana.”

Sessions denied the allegations at the time; his office did not respond to a recent request for comment from CNN.

As CNN reported, Figures also testified that Sessions was critical of the NAACP and other civil rights groups.

“On the day in question, Mr. Sessions came into my office just as I was reading a newspaper account of some the recent action of

the NAACP. I casually mentioned that development to Mr. Sessions. Mr. Sessions in response stated that he believed the NAACP, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Operation PUSH and the National Conference of Churches were all un-American organizations teaching anti-American values. This statement clearly was not intended as a joke,” Figures said.

As CNN reported, transcripts of the hearing also show that J. Gerald Hebert, who was a Justice Department lawyer, also testified that Sessions told him the NAACP and ACLU were “un-American” and “Communist-inspired.”

Hebert, who now directs a voting program at the Campaign Legal Center in Washington, told CNN that he stands by the testimony he gave 30 years ago.

“Things that I had heard firsthand from him were things that demonstrated gross racial insensitivity to black citizens of Alabama and the United States,” Hebert said.

At the time, Hebert testified that Sessions said a white attorney who represented black clients might be a disgrace and that the NAACP and ACLU did more harm than good by trying to force civil rights “down the throats of people.”

Hebert told CNN he fears Sessions might disregard the civil rights division of the Justice Department were he to become Trump’s attorney general. “He has never backed off from the comments he made at that time. He has never apologized for them,” Hebert said on November 17.

In a heated exchange with then-Sen. Joe Biden at the 1986 hearing, Sessions denied calling the NAACP and

Unlike attorney general, an appointment that must pass Senate review, the president has few formal restrictions to appointing immediate staff. So Trump’s choice of Stephen Bannon, who left his position as executive chairman of Breitbart News (a white nationalist news site) to run Trump’s campaign, is subject only to public pressure. He received plenty, including in a letter signed by 169 members of Congress, including U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D-St. Louis).

“Unfortunately, your appointment of Stephen Bannon, whose ties to the white nationalist movement have been well-documented, directly undermines your ability to unite the country. As elected representatives of millions of Americans from diverse backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities, we strongly urge you to reconsider your decision to appoint Mr. Bannon to White House chief strategist,” Clay et. al. wrote.

“Since the election there have been a number of incidents across the country in which minorities, including Muslim Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Jewish Americans, have been the targets of violence, harassment and intimidation. Mr. Bannon’s appointment sends the wrong message to people who have engaged in those types of activities, indicating that they will not only be tolerated, but endorsed by your administration. Millions of Americans have expressed fear and concern about how they will be treated by the Trump Administration and your appointment of Mr. Bannon only exacerbates and validates their concerns.

Photo by Bill Greenblatt / UPI

RBC closes Reinvest North County Fund

Nearly $1M was raised and invested in 55 small businesses and four school districts

By Chris King Of The St.

The St. Louis Regional Business Council closed its Reinvest North County Fund with a public event at Centene’s Ferguson Service Center on Wednesday, November 16. Since the fund was opened by the RBC less than a week after the Ferguson unrest sparked by the police killing of Michael Brown Jr. on August 9, 2014, nearly $1 million was raised through 43 donors and granted to 55 small businesses and four school districts in North County. Of the $943,078 distributed, about two-thirds of it ($639,299) went to the public schools.

North County Inc. helped to distribute the

By Mariah Stewart Of The St. Louis American

n “The mantra of the RBC is ‘act, act quickly and focus on results.’”

– Kathy

Osborn,

executive director

of the St. Louis Regional Business Council

grants with the input of a 15-member allocations committee. The Greater Saint Louis Community Foundation provided administrative support. Al Mitchell, president of the Monsanto Fund and a member of the allocations committee, said “100 percent” of the money collected was distributed,

with “zero administrative costs.”

Joshura and Lisa Davis, owners of Best Insurance, 9191 W. Florissant Ave., said the grant they received from the Reinvest North County Fund was “the very first sign of hope” after their shop was torched during a night of arson in Ferguson.

“I’ve been a business owner on the West Florissant corridor for 25 years,” Joshura Davis said. “This is our only income. I said to my wife, ‘Baby, we’ve got to stay here.’”

He said the Reinvest North County Fund grant they received in the first round of funding “helped us to keep our doors open.”

Charles J. Pearson, superintendent of schools

Senior housing set to open in Jennings

STAR Residences seeks applications

Jennings is just a couple of weeks away from opening a new 44-unit senior citizen housing center in the city’s disenfranchised 4th Ward. Last October, the city celebrated the groundbreaking of Senior Transitional Accommodations & Recreation, LLC (STAR) Residences. Now that the center is nearly complete, it’s developer, Lewis McKinney, wants to attract potential resident applicants.

On Friday, October 28, McKinney, a certified minority-owned business enterprise developer, gave The American a tour of the threestory living space which includes rooms for recreation, wellness activities, a library, fitness center, computer facilities, a coffee room and community lounge.

“We built the building because we wanted to provide support for the need in the community, which is residential housing – safe, affordable and decent housing for seniors in this community,” McKinney told The American McKinney said Jennings was chosen as the location for the STAR

it has

Fineza Tangua joined the

2017 Leadership 100 Cohort of the

Council’s Young Professionals Network. She is project manager of manager onboarding at Wells Fargo Advisors. The goal of the network, which is open to ethnically diverse professionals under 40, is to attract and retain young talent to the region and to give them opportunities for networking, professional development and community

Phyllis Anderson

Sharon Harvey Davis

Christopher Hill

Fineza Tangua

George Sample

Ethan Hudson

Residences because

Photo by Wiley Price

Joshura and Lisa Davis, owners of Best Insurance in Ferguson, visited with Kathy Osborn, executive director of the St. Louis Regional Business Council, at Centene’s Ferguson Service Center on Wednesday, November 16. At the event, the RBC closed the Reinvest North County Fund, which issued nearly $1 million to 55 small business (including Best Insurance) and four school districts in North County.

How to avoid getting scammed over your utility bill

The nation’s leading energy companies are joining forces to raise awareness about a longrunning scam that has cost utility customers millions of dollars. On November 16, the coalition activated a social and traditional media campaign to expose the tricks behind a scam that dupes customers into using a pre-paid debit card to avoid service disconnection.

n Last year an estimated 1,500 Ameren customers reported suspicious activity. The majority of those incidents were phone calls from scammers.

“Utilities United Against Scams Day” will also focus on the steps customers can take to protect themselves.

“We have a responsibility to help our customers avoid being the victim of these costly scams,” said Tim Reagan, senior director of Corporate Security at Ameren.

“By combining the voices of our utility peers, our message will reach more customers throughout the country in an effort to prevent more scams from occurring.”

Last year an estimated 1,500 Ameren customers reported suspicious activity. The majority of those incidents were phone calls from

call back phone numbers provided by the scammer, it sounds like a legitimate Ameren phone number. Some of these criminals also use caller ID spoofing to replicate Ameren’s customer service number.

continued from page B1

a large aging population. STAR Residences received a small grant from the state called Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC). With the grant, seniors who are 60 years old or older and live within a two-mile diameter of STAR Residences can use the facility’s resources. Research from NORC says seniors who are provided resources from senior-living facilities are delayed from going to a nursing home and avoid the task of moving in with their children. STAR Residences is set to open on December 1 and is currently seeking candidates

who are 55 years old or older. The housing units are approximately 850 square feet with ceilings 11 feet tall on the first floor. They include two bedrooms and one bathroom with front loader washing and dryer with all electric appliances. The units, which have low-hanging cabinets and wheelchair-accessible showers, meet the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. The expected rent cost will start at $495 a month, and the electric bill is estimated at $50 a month because of the building’s energy-efficient heating and cooling system.

Up next for McKinney is building affordable housing for families.

“We saw a need to provide something that was very much needed, which was economic development in this area,” he

said, “as well as providing housing for the underserved population.”

Alexandria Place is the name of expected housing development, which will be located at the intersection of Halls Ferry and St. Cyr roads. Building for the homes is expected to begin next year. McKinney also hopes to build a transitional home community for veterans as well.

“STAR Residences is just a community which is part of a larger community, which is the continuum of care concept,” McKinney told The American. “We’re working under the umbrella of our A Caring Plus Foundation, which is a non-profit, but as you can see our motto is ‘now you’re home.’”

n “He’s got one motivation, and that’s to win at whatever he does. But that’s not a core value. That’s not a principle. That’s not a vision.”

– San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, on Presidentelect Donald Trump

Pro Football Notebook

Kirkwood wins state

Only second championship in school history

The Kirkwood Pioneers rolled to their second state championship in school history with a 31-14 victory over Blue Springs in last week’s Class 6 Show-Me Bowl in Columbia.

The Pioneers used a quick-strike offense to jump to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and were not seriously challenged by the Wildcats.

Senior quarterback Reece Goddard was sensational in leading the Pioneers’ offense. Goddard completed nine of 15 passes for 196yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 154 yards on 17 carries and one touchdown. Goddard’s favorite target was senior receiver Tahj Telfair, who caught five passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns.

Kirkwood’s defense also stood tall in shutting down a Blue Springs offense that was averaging 47 points a game in the playoffs. Senior linebacker Ivan Barnett led the defensive effort with eight tackles while defensive back Travion Mosby had two interceptions in the fourth quarter to seal Kirkwood’s victory.

With a state championship safely tucked away, Kirkwood still has one more game left to play. The Pioneers will take on Webster Groves today in their annual Turkey Day Game.

All-St. Louis Class 5 Final

Vianney (8-5) and Fort Zumwalt North (12-1) will meet for the Class 5 state championship in an all St. Louis final on Friday at Plaster Field in Springfield, Mo. Kickoff is

I

he

Precision over power

climbs off the canvas to cuff Kovalev’s titles

Whenever a skilled technical boxer outpoints a powerful puncher in a close boxing match, a large group of fight fans and analysts claim “robbery” by channeling a legendary, well-known wise philosopher fellow.

“To be the man, you gotta beat the man.”

– Rick Flair

As much as I love

“The Nature Boy,” the pro wrestling legend’s tagline does not quite qualify as the definitive guide to judging reallife prizefights.

Other common quotes from salty fans include, “Just look at their faces and tell me who won,” “You gotta bring the fight to your opponent,” and “But [Fighter X] landed the harder punches.”

All these things were said after Andre Ward defeated Sergey Kovalev by a unanimous decision (114-113 on all

scorecards) Saturday night to capture the WBA, WBO and IBF light heavyweight titles. Kovalev was the defending champion and the more powerful puncher of the two. He put his impressive power on display by dropping Ward to the canvas in the second round with a short right-hand. Though Ward immediately rose to his feet, and appeared steady on his legs, it was clear that he and his confidence, were hurt and shaken by the punch. For the first-half of the fight, Kovalev stalked and hunted his prey. He worked behind a stiff jab and his monster right hand. He cut off the ring well. His presence and power seemed to intimidate the challenger. Once the cobwebs cleared, Ward did what master technicians do. He adjusted. Whether by design or by

few stiff right hands that didn’t put him on his back, Ward’s confidence and comfort level increased. During the second half of the fight, Ward was either completely outside of Kovalev’s punching range or entangled up with him, chestto-chest, working in sneaky body slots in

back, sweat flies across the ring and it’s usually accompanied by an agony-filled grimace before be masked by a phony smile and shaking of the head. Unless a fighter hunches over in agony, casual observers simply dismiss most body shots. They’re not sexy. It’s

hard to tell when they land clean. Even final punch stats rarely show a breakdown between body and head punches. Saturday night, Kovalev knew. Ward’s body work was impressive. Once he dined on a

necessity, Ward began to target Kovalev’s body in attempt to slow down the patient-but-aggressive freight train coming his way. Body punches are often overlooked when it comes to the sweet science. Effective head shots are easy to see. The victim’s neck snaps See CLUTCH, B5

With Earl Austin Jr.

Earl Austin Jr.

Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev lived

hotly-contested

that

emerged victorious

See PREP, B5

Clyde C. Miller Academy’s Keith Austin (1) makes a diving catch with Maryville’s Cole Phillips riding close behind Saturday afternoon at St. Mary’s High School. Maryville went on to defeat Miller Academt 42-6.

N t

ClutCh With Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Photo by Wiley Price

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Dave Roberts becomes fifth black MLB Manager of the Year

Congratulations to Dave Roberts, whose outstanding leadership with the injuryriddled Los Angeles Dodgers earned him the 2016 National League Manager of the Year award.

The Dodgers’ total of days of players on disabled list set a Major League record, yet Roberts guided his team to a 91-71 record and the NL West crown.

“I’m completely humbled. I’m speechless, I really am,” he told reporters after learning of his honor.

think the players can relate to that. I think I can relate to all the players except for maybe being an All-Star,” he said. “I think the players saw the authenticity from me from day one in spring training until we were eliminated. I try to pride myself on being the same guy every day.”

Roberts is also a rarity – a black manager to win the prestigious award.

Since the awards inception in 1983, the black winners are Frank Robinson, Baltimore Orioles, 1989; Dusty Baker, San Francisco Giants, 1993; Don Baylor, Colorado Rockies, 1995; Baker, Giants, 1997; Baker, Giants 2000; Jerry Manuel, Chicago White Sox, 2000. Not a star during his career, Roberts played 10 seasons in the Majors and helped the Boston Red Sox sweep St. Louis Cardinals in the 2004 World Series.

MLS proposal seeks taxpayer subsidy

While it is the season of the turkey, a peacock and woodcock are back pecking at the city’s pocketbook.

The SC STL ownership group wants to lure a Major League Soccer expansion franchise by building a $200 million stadium downtown.

n Of course, there is a catch. SC STL wants city taxpayers to part with $80 million.

“I think players know my story as a former player who had a lot of different roles, spending a lot of time in the minors, being a starter, being a player with a certain role. I

Paul Edgerley, a partner at VantEdge Partners investments, is lead owner and chairman. Dave Peacock, former president of Anheuser-Busch and point man for the pipe-dream $1 billion riverfront stadium for the now-departed Rams, is a partner in the group. The open-air stadium would seat 20,000 seats with the ability to expand to 28,500. It would sit next to St. Louis Union Station on land owned by the Missouri Department of Transportation. The city has an option to purchase the land. Of course, there is a catch. SC STL wants city taxpayers to part with $80 million. The

proposed owners would like to have a financing proposal on the April ballot in the city. Jim Woodcock, the group’s spokesperson and another name connected with the Rams stadium, said the soccer facility would not be built unless MLS

owners approve expansion in St. Louis.

With a St. Louis mayoral primary coming the first week of March, some candidates are already sounding quite cautious. The proposal was crafted secretly, and city officials have no specific details – nor do voters.

Board of Aldermen

President Lewis Reed told the Post-Dispatch “whatever is presented to us has to have a financial structure that protects the taxpayers and enhances the city as a whole.”

Alderman Lyda Krewson said, “I think we need to be careful with public subsidies.”

Treasurer Tishaura Jones did not back city tax dollars going to the failed Rams stadium project, so my guess is that she will feel the same about the soccer stadium.

Comptroller Darlene Green who joins lame-duck Mayor Francis G. Slay and Reed on the city’s Board of Estimate and Apportionment, also stood against public financing of a football stadium.

Alderman Antonio French told KSDK he thought voters in his ward would reject the proposal because they want the city “to start focusing on the needs of the many and not the wants of a few.”

The MLS ask is one of three now on the table for city taxpayers involving sports franchises.

In June, the St. Louis Blues appealed to the city for $138 million in taxpayer help on improvements to the Scottrade Center. The team’s bottom line has no room for the needed improvements, thus leading to the request for tax relief.

The St. Louis Cardinals want about one-third of the cost of a $220 million addition to Ballpark Village covered through public financing spread over 20 years.

Before city leaders and/ or voters side with any of these projects, a deal must be struck that creates immediate financing for body cameras for police, the hiring of more police officers and other worthwhile public safety and neighborhood improvement projects.

I suggest that the MLS group and Cardinals owners come up with $10 million in private money for these projects before there is any movement on public financing. The cash-strapped Blues get a pass.

It is admirable that Peacock and the MLS group

is not shying away from a public vote – unlike the same Peacock and the NFL stadium group.

Pioneer Pride I must give a shout out to my Kirkwood Pioneers after winning the Class 6A state football championship with a 31-14 thumping of Blue Springs in Columbia, Mo.

“When the buzzer rang at the end we had nothing else to prove,” senior Tyreese Norris said.

“We were just doing what we do, and we won. There are no words to describe how I felt.”

After losing to Chaminade in the season opener, Kirkwood reeled off 12 wins, including a 24-17 state semifinal win at Rockhurst.

In a scheduling oddity, the Turkey Day game against Webster Groves falls after completion of Kirkwood’s state title run. The Pioneers have a chance to win a 13th consecutive game and retain the coveted Frisco Bell.

Alvin A. Reid is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook and appears on ABC’s The Allman Report and several sports radio shows. His Twitter handle is #aareid1

Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers was awarded as the 2016 National League Manager of the Year award.

Alvin A. Reid

American staff

‘There are a lot of fearful people, and for good reason’

San Antonio Spurs coach responds again to election of Trump

On Tuesday, November 17, San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was asked again about the election of Donald Trump, after his initial comments drew national attention, and he gave another amazing response. (Transcription courtesy of Tim Bontemps of the Washington Post.)

Media: Do you feel good about speaking up?

Gregg Popovich: I don’t know. Somebody asked me and I told the truth of what I felt, and I still feel the same way. It’s still a disorienting situation, when you thought you lived in a certain kind of country with certain values that were held in esteem and find out those values aren’t very important to half the country. I thought that with all the divisiveness in the election and all the groups President-elect

Trump disparaged, the best way to start out would not be to worry about Obamacare or to talk about Wall Street or Medicare or anything, or make appointments, but to maybe say some things to assuage the feelings of all those groups he disparaged. But that didn’t happen.

That was my hope. I thought that would be a great way to start if he was really interested in unifying and bringing everybody into the tent, so to speak. But that just got totally blown away, and everything he said ฀ there is no responsibility or accountability for it. So that still bothers me very much.

Media: Were you shocked at the way the election went?

Gregg Popovich: Sure. I think most people were. I think he was shocked. I think he was preparing to lose. You could tell because ... he doesn’t seem to be really that interested in policy or anything like that. I

haven’t seen or heard from any core values or principles. He’s got one motivation and that’s to win at whatever he does. But that’s not a core value. That’s not a principle. That’s not a vision. I think it was pretty apparent that, at some point, when he thought he was going to lose, that’s when [he said] the system was rigged, just like in the primary. [That’s when he said] the reporter, the moderator asked more questions than him, the media this and that. [That’s when he said,] “I’m getting a raw deal.” But when he was winning, everything was fine. The same thing with the election. Now it’s not rigged, of course.

Media: What do you think of Steve Bannon being one of his top advisors?

Gregg Popovich: Well, I think that’s very troublesome to many of us. As I said, it would be great if he [Trump] made some statements to all of the groups he disparaged, to bring us all together, and to allay fears, because there are a lot of fearful people, and for good reason. But rather than doing that, he inflamed it even more with that appointment [of Bannon]. It’s kind of ironic. I wonder sometimes if he made all those statements, he certainly whipped up the fear-mongering and emotion in that base. But

advantage in the inside game, where power punchers usually flourish, made the difference

PREP

Continued from B3 at 7 p.m. Both teams advanced to Friday’s state championship game in dramatic fashion. Vianney rallied from a 31-14 deficit in the secondhalf to stun Staley 34-31 in last Friday night’s semifinals. Fort Zumwalt North defeated Battle 28-25 in the other semifinal game when kicker Matt Bennick booted a 28-yard field goal as time expired. Both teams also feature tremendous quarterbacks who have posted some huge numbers this season. Fort Zumwalt North senior Cade Brister has rushed for over 2,000 yards and scored an area-leading 43 touchdowns. He has also passed for 1,553 yards and 14 touchdowns. Junior Tionne Harris of Vianney has passed for 2,290 yards and 17 touchdowns while rushing for 1,281 yards and 13 touchdowns. Vianney also has a talented pair of sophomores in Kyrem Williams and Cam Coleman, who have combined to score 34 touchdowns.

as he out-boxed the champion over the latter half of eh fight. There’s no debate that Kovalev landed the harder punches. He’s the stronger fighter so that’s not exactly rocket science. However, if boxing was all about strength,

Trinity-Lamar Showdown is on

The highly anticipated Class 2 state-championship game between Lamar and Trinity will finally come to pass on Friday in Springfield at 3 p.m. Lamar is the defending five-time state champions while Trinity is the new small-school powerhouse on the block looking for its first state championship. Trinity is led by sophomore

Mike Tyson would still be heavyweight champion and Floyd Mayweather Jr. would’ve been a .500 fighter. Each round in boxing is scored on Clean Punching, Effective Aggression, Defense and Ring Generalship.

dual-threat quarterback Isaiah Williams, who passed for 317 yards and four touchdowns in the Titans’ 45-29 victory over Lawson in the semifinals.

Receivers Darion Bolden and Marcus Washington both had more than 100-yards receiving and two touchdowns against Lawson. The defense is led by senior Jabriel Green, who had five sacks against Lawson. He is one of the area’s most dominant linemen.

it’s going to be ironic because now a lot of the things he told them he’s going to do he’s already started to walk back a little bit. It’s sort of like, did he use them all to get elected, and thus [to win] again? He’s pretty good at that. You can’t believe anything that comes out of his mouth. It changes day to day, depending on the situation and what he needs at the moment.

Media: Would you potentially skip a future White House visit because he’s there?

I’m not going to speculate on the future. I’m just talking about how I feel at the moment, and mostly for all of those groups that we all know.

Media: The Holt family [which owns the Spurs] contributed a good chunk of money to Trump. They’ve obviously given you the green light to speak your mind?

Gregg Popovich: No, they haven’t given me that freedom.

The Russian champion with the crowd-pleasing style, seriously hurt his opponent early and was the aggressor for the entire fight. His disappointment is expected and excused. After all, he put in the early mornings and late nights of fight camp. He put his blood and guts on the line, fought his heart out and delivered an amazing performance only to come up just short.

To be honest, a Kovalev victory or a draw would’ve have been just as appropriate as Ward’s victory.

The CompuBox Punch Stats show that Kovalev landed 126 of 474 punches (26.6%) overall, including 78 of 232 (33.6%) power punch-

es. Meanwhile, Ward landed 116 of 337 punches (34.4%) overall, including 61 of 169 (36.1%) power punches. Over a 12-round bout, Kovalev landed 10 more punches at a lower percentage.

“I’m a guest here in the USA and he’s a local, and all the judges are from the USA,” Kovalev told Max Kellerman after the fight. “I agree they support their boxer but honestly, this is sport. Don’t make it like politics.” Close fight? Absolutely? Robbery? Nonsense.

Turning a blind-eye to Ward’s efforts because he’s not a knockout puncher is like blocking Shaquille O’Neal from the Hall of Fame because

I live in America. That’s what has given me that freedom. There are no individual people that give me that freedom.

Media: There are people who say about you – saying this to “stick to sports.” Why is it important for you to speak out?

Gregg Popovich: I think everybody’s views are important. I think anybody who says that, it’s an easy argument. What we say might make them feel uncomfortable, so they have to come back with something. It’s basically sort of Trump-like. Do we want to go back to eighth grade, and do the cut-down artist thing? And go back and forth with someone if they disagree with me? But everybody can have an opinion. You can be the doctor, the plumber, the lawyer the car mechanic, the gardener or a lowly basketball coach. You can have an opinion.

he wasn’t a great free throw shooter.

Going into the fight, it was billed as a pick ‘em type fight between two of the best poundfor-pound fighters in the world. The razor thin margin on the judges’ scorecards showed that that’s exactly what we got. Luckily for the fans, there’s an immediately rematch clause that Kovalev and his promoter intend to activate. Despite the overblown “controversy,” it’s clear that whenever these two combatants step into the ring, the sport of boxing wins.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk

The ST. LouiS AmericAn PreP AThLeTeS of

Class 6 statechampionship game in Columbia. The 6’5” 210-pound Telfair caught five passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns. His scoring receptions of 40 and four yards came in the first half as Kirkwood took early control of the game. For the season, Telfair

Jabriel Green

Trinity

Trinity’s 45-29 victory over

in the Class 2 state semifinals last Saturday. The 6’3” 290-pound Green recorded five quarterback sacks and was a presence in Lawson’s backfield throughout the afternoon as he displayed why he is one of the area’s top defensive players. For the season, green has 59 solo tackles with 16 sacks and one interception. Trinity (12-0) will face Lamar for the Class 2 state championship on Friday afternoon in Springfield, Mo. Kickoff is at 3 p.m.

After cleaning out the super middleweight division as a longtime champion, Ward set his eyes on the light heavyweight crown. Saturday night he added three new titles to his collection from the WBA, IBF and WBO.

Gregg Popovich

RBC continued from page B1

for the Normandy Schools Collaborative, made remarks on behalf of the four districts that received funding, which also included FergusonFlorissant, Jennings and Riverview Gardens.

“Those funds came at a critical time,” Pearson said. He listed a range of things his district did with the grants: fund a kindergarten readiness camp, science materials, instruction in coding, a literacy initiative and back-to-school backpacks.

Other districts used their grant funds for food pantries, clothing, transportation, robotics and college preparation. Students from Jennings High School’s College Prep Academy attended the event wearing distinctive blazers. Yolonda Fountain Henderson, a Jennings school board member, pointed out that the blazers were purchased with Reinvest North County funds.

Pearson introduced the concept of “ally,” as

defined by Glenn Singleton, who developed Beyond Diversity, a seminar aimed at helping administrators, teachers, students, parents and community stakeholders identify and examine the intersection of race and schooling.

n Joshura Davis, owner of Best Insurance, said the Reinvest North County Fund grant they received in the first round of funding “helped us to keep our doors open.”

“The RBC was an ally for us,” Pearson said. The fund was the brainchild of Kathy Osborn, executive director of the RBC, which is a consortium of presidents and chief executive officers of midto large-sized companies in St. Louis.

“The mantra of the RBC is ‘act, act quickly and focus on results,’” Osborn said. “We wanted to give where it

Business Brief

would be most effective, and we decided that was small businesses and schools.”

In closing the fund after nearly a million dollars in small grants, Osborn was under no illusion that the region’s needs have been met. “Businesses are still struggling,” she said. “But I see optimism, tenacity and the will to serve the community.”

Joshura Davis said that some of their friends were not as fortunate as Best Insurance and had to shutter their businesses.

“We’ve still got a lot of work to do,” Davis said. “You drive down West Florissant from Chambers to Lucas and Hunt, and it’s pretty desolate.”

At the same time, he expressed fears that future development – perhaps through the proposed Great Streets Master Plan – could be of a scale where small businesses like theirs could not afford to stay.

“When the West Florissant corridor grows, we do not want to be pushed out,” Davis said. “When we begin to rebuild, we do not want to go anywhere. Keep us in your thoughts, prayers and plans.”

STL Youth Jobs accepting applications

STL Youth Jobs is accepting applications from youth ages 18-24 who are seeking employment. The program, funded by Emerson, will place 130 youth in jobs from winter 2016 to summer 2017. The program provides each participant with ongoing support from a job coach, as well as job readiness training, financial literacy training and life skills training. In 2014, Emerson announced its Ferguson Forward initiative, which

included an expansion of the STL Youth Jobs program into Ferguson and surrounding areas. STL Youth Jobs, traditionally a summer jobs program for young people in the city of St. Louis, expanded their program to meet the needs of young people living in Ferguson.

Over the past two years, STL Youth Jobs has employed 359 youth and worked with over 80 employers through the Ferguson Forward initiative. In 2015-2016, 71 percent of youth

participants were hired on by their employer, found new employment or were connected to other training programs.

Young people ages 18-24 living in North St. Louis County can apply to STL Youth Jobs by visiting www. stlyouthjobs.org/apply. North County businesses that would like to participate in the program by employing a young person can call Patrick McCulloch at 314-982-8950 for more information.

Like father, like son

Young Dark blesses families of the incarcerated with Thanksgiving meal

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis

American

“My husband is incarcerated, and he’s

“He’s struggling because he can’t

us and provide, but at the same time he has something

to

have a

and he

Carson is attempting to start from scratch

she

with her spouse’s recent imprisonment as the rest of the country awaits Thanksgiving to start their holiday cheer. Thanks to rapper Young Dark, Carson will be able to prepare a meal for

her family on Thursday.

“It’s a blessing,” Carson said. Saturday afternoon, Dark did his part to lighten the load for the families of the incarcerated individuals. With the help of Alice Prince, state Representative Bruce Franks’ 28 to Life program and Dark’s father, Jus Bleezy, he provided 25 families with Thanksgiving meals. Dark was all smiles as families waited at 2929 South Jefferson to receive their meals. The event almost felt like a party with music courtesy

See TURKEY, C4

Disney’s “Moana,” directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, opens in theatres nationwide on Wednesday, November 23. The film is rated G with a running time of 96 minutes.

Disney’s diversity

U. City native Marlon West heads up animation effects for ‘Moana’

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Pride was a recurring theme as University City native Marlon West discussed the upcoming release of Disney’s “Moana,” directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, which hits theatres nationwide on Wednesday, November 23.

West served as the head of animation effects for the film that co-stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, but a personal memory came to mind as he spoke on the power of seeing oneself reflected in film early on.

“‘Princess and the Frog’ was the first movie my daughter saw in the theater –and she saw a brown princess,” Marlon West said. “So I know how much this movie means for the people from the Pacific Islands.”

West was animations effects supervisor for “Princess and the Frog,” a film that also produced Disney’s first ever AfricanAmerican fairy godmother – which was

“Moana.” West believes the extensive research that goes into each film, a process West says is strongly encouraged by Disney and Pixar Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter, has forged a connection with the subjects.

“When people take you into their homes and show you their community, you want to do right by those people,” West said. “It informs you, but it also makes you duty-bound as far as having some authenticity. And when we went there and immersed in their culture – and when they came to the studio to teach us dance and to teach us different things for our story – I could see the pride in them.”

“Moana” explores the ancient tradition of way finding – or navigating the vast and beautiful waters of the Pacific Ocean – through the eyes of the title character, who is next in line to lead her people.

Jenifer Lewis. The same care and attention to detail that Disney applied to research for “Princess and The Frog” was given to

As Moana prepares to succeed her father to the throne as chief, her community is in the midst of turmoil. An See DISNEY, C4

Presented National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award by First Lady

By American Staff

Technology had a hand in allowing St. Louisans to be a part of the historic moment experienced by local youth arts program St. Louis ArtWorks last Tuesday.

Program Manager Andrea Purnell used social media to allow supporters back home a bird’s eye view of the organization’s trip to The White House as a recipient of the 2016 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award.

“Here! In front of the East Wing preparing to go into The White House,” Purnell captioned a photo of herself on the other side of the gate she posted to Facebook. “I might be a little excited.” Through Facebook Live and still images, Purnell captured the moment – from entering and touring the White House to the endearing hug First Lady Michelle Obama gave St. Louis ArtWorks teen apprentice AnnaLise Cason just before Cason and St. Louis ArtWorks’ Executive Director Priscilla Block were presented with the award.

n “It is important to our continued greatness to see these kids as ours - not as “them,” not as “other,” but as ours.”

– First Lady Michelle Obama

The ceremony was also live streamed on the Riverfront Times website.

Supporters and participants back home could cheer them on in real time as Cason and Block stood accepting the nation’s highest honor for youth programming.

“We believe that every single child has boundless promise, no matter who they are, where they come from, or how much money their parents have,” Mrs. Obama said during the ceremony.

“And it is important to our continued greatness to see these kids as ours - not as “them,” not as “other,” but as ours. And that’s really the power of programs like these.

Rapper Young Dark presents Thanksgiving Meal to Denise Glass Saturday afternoon at 2929 S. Jefferson.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

St. Louis ArtWorks’ Executive Director Priscilla Block, teen apprentice AnnaLise Cason and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House on November 15.

coincidentally portrayed by fellow St. Louisan

Marlon West

How to place a calendar listing

1. Email your listing to calendar@stlamerican. com OR

2. Visit the calendar section on stlamerican.com and place your listing

Calendar listings are free of charge, are edited for space and run on a space-available basis.

holiday haps

Nov. 25 – 26, 2 p.m., TheatreworksUSA presents A Christmas Carol. This musical interpretation of the Charles Dickens’ classic captures both the humorous and touching moments of the classic story with witty dialogue and fresh new songs, conveying Dickens’ original message that the holiday season should be a “kind, forgiving, charitable time,” a sentiment which still rings true today. Florissant Civic Center Theater, 1 James J. Eagan Dr., 63033. For more information, call (314) 921-5678 or visit www.florissantmo.com/ departments/theatre.

Fri., Nov. 25, 6 p.m., Mesa Home hosts Black Owned on Black Friday – Pop Up Market. We will have over a dozen shops and artists present including Hop Shop, Peace by Peace, Traces of Truth, Roland Burrow, and many more. Music provided by Nappy DJ Needles. 2619 Cherokee St., 63118. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Nov. 30 – Dec. 24, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents A Christmas Carol adapted by David H. Bell from the novella by Charles Dickens and directed by Steven Woolf, Browning Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, call (314) 9684925 or visit The Rep’s Online Box Office at www.repstl.org.

Fri., Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m., National Sales Network’s Annual Holiday Party and Toy Drive. Cost is $15 or an unwrapped toy donation. Proceeds will benefit the Ricky Whittington Foundation Toy Drive. Troy’s Jazz Gallery, 4519 Olive St., 63108. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Fri., Dec. 2, 8 p.m., Touhill Performing Arts Center

presents Dianne Reeves: Christmas Time is Here Featuring Peter Martin, Romero Lubambo, Reginald Veal and Terreon Gully. UMSL, One University Blvd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 516-4949 or visit www.touhill.org.

Sun., Dec. 4, 3 p.m., UMSL School of Fine and Performing Arts presents Jazz for the Holidays. This annual production showcases holiday classics with a jazzy flair. The evening features such classics as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “The Christmas Song,” “Jingle Bells” and selections from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Touhill Performing Arts Center.

Wed., Dec. 7, 8 p.m., Beyond Housing presents Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert feat. Damian Escobar and Brian Owens. At Beyond Housing we know that home matters—especially at the holidays. This is the time of year when we see that, while a roof and four walls are essential, home is so much more. Proceeds will aid in our efforts to help entire communities become better places to live. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 932-1315 or visit www.beyondhousing.org.

Thur., Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m., The St. Louis Symphony InUnison Chorus presents A Gospel Christmas with Richard Smallwood. Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1700 or visit www. stlsymphony.org.

Dec. 10, 2 p.m., Our Father’s House Annual Children’s Christmas Party, family pictures will taken with Santa, face painting, games and refreshments, all free of charge. Applications are required. All paperwork must be turned in by November 18,

Featured Event

Fri., Nov. 25, 6 p.m., Mesa Home hosts Black Owned on Black Friday – Pop Up Market. We will have over a dozen shops and artists present including Hop Shop, Peace by Peace, Traces of Truth and many more. Music provided by Nappy DJ Needles. 2619 Cherokee St., 63118. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

2016 any delays could result in your child missing out. For information about application, call Our Fathers House at 314-338-4174 or email ourfathershouse1@yahoo.com . Party will take place at St. Peter’s House of Prayer, 8400 Pershall, Hazelwood, MO 63042.

Thur., Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m., Family Arena presents Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular. A concert and visual experience where audiences journey into a world of high-flying adventure with amazing acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks and holiday cheer, too! The show blends the spellbinding grace and daredevil athleticism of today’s greatest circus performers with the sensory majesty of the greatest holiday music of all time. The show will be performed with The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. 2002 Arena Parkway, 63033. For more information, visit

www.metrotix.com.

Sat., Dec. 17, 10:30 a.m., NAACP St. Louis County Brunch presents Soulful Jazz Brunch Extravaganza. We will have a fashion show, live music by The Coleman Hughes Project, a shopping bizarre, silent auction, and more. Westport Sheraton Chalet, 191 W. Port Plaza, 63146. For more information, call (314) 477-9338.

Sat., Dec. 17, 7 p.m., Central Baptist Church hosts the Gift Chronicles IV feat. Ledisi 2842 Washington Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 533-0747 or visit www.cbcstl.org.

Sun., Dec. 18, 5 p.m., Kranzberg Arts Center hosts My Favorite Things feat. Adria Nicole. With special guests C. Jay Conrad, Cheeraz Gormon, Kali Assata, and Mo Egeston. 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information,

Rockhouse Entertainment & Presidential Promotions presents Black Girl Magic Concert Series featuring Teyana Taylor (left) and Tink. For more information, see CONCERTS.

call (314) 533-0367 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Wed., Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m., The Fox presents Hip Hop Nutcracker. A contemporary re-imagination of Tchaikovsky’s timeless music, performed by a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers, DJ and violinist. Digital scenery transforms E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story of a palace of sugarplums into a romance set in 1980s Brooklyn. The dance work celebrates love, community and the magic of New Year’s Eve. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5341678 or visit www.metrotix. com.

concerts

Fri., Nov. 25, 8 p.m., Illphonics: A Formal Affair for Charity. Music has played such a large role in the lives of the members of iLLPHONiCS, so for this event, we’ve decided to partner with Music for Lifelong Achievement. A percentage of the proceeds from this show will put instruments in the hands of disadvantaged children. The U.City High School Jazz Band will be opening for us at this event. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Sat., Nov. 26, 8 p.m., World Class Entertainment Group presents the Reggae Forever Tour. Featuring Etana, Fyakin, Iba Mahr, and more. 2720 Cherokee St., 63118. For more information, call (314) 8750233.

Sun., Nov. 27, 8 p.m., Rockhouse Entertainment & Presidential Promotions presents Black Girl Magic Concert Series feat. Teyana Taylor and Tink. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 726-6161 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Fri., Dec. 9, 7 p.m., A Gospel According to Jazz starring Kirk Whalum, Keiko Matsui, and Norman Brown. With special guests John Stoddart, Kevin Whalum, Shelea, Denise Thimes, FT Mass Choir, and the R.F. Specials Choir. Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 5553 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., 63112. For more information, call (314) 367-9700 or visit www.friendlytemple.org.

special events

Nov. 25-27, Helium Comedy Club welcomes D.L. Hughley, Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St. Louis Galleria Street. For more information, visit http://st-louis. heliumcomedy.com/ or call (314) 727-1260.

Sat., Nov. 26, 8 a.m., Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri presents Girl Scouts Go: Run for the Cookies Come out for our annual 5-mile and 1-mile run/walk.

Community organizations will educate attendees on healthyliving options with fun and informational booths. We will also have a climbing wall and bounce house along with other children’s activities. Participants are encouraged to come in costume and take part in the costume contest. Everyone is asked to bring a toy donation for a local United Way agency. 2300 Ball Dr., 63146. For more information, call (314) 592-2300 or visit www.girlscoutsem.org/events.

Sat., Nov. 26, 1 p.m., STL Sister Circle presents the 1st Annual Winter Warm Up Drive. Please help keep a child warm by donating new or slightly used hats, gloves, scarves and coats. The Omega Center, 3900 Goodfellow Blvd., 63120. For more information, call (314) 4829527 or (314) 662-7289.

Thur., Dec. 1, 11:45 a.m., VOYCE invites you to the 22nd Annual Caregiver Awards Luncheon. This is a day of inspirational stories as we honor and celebrate our nominees’ contributions in defining excellence in longterm care. Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel, 9801 Natural Bridge Rd., 63134. For more information, call (314) 919-2410 or visit www. voycestl.org/events.

Fri., Dec. 2, 9 a.m., Hiring Event at Missouri Veterans Home in St. Louis. We will host an all day hiring event for full time direct care nursing staff. There will be free food available for applicants along with Human Resource and Nursing Management to hold open interviews. We are actively recruiting C.N.A.’s, C.M.T.’s, RNs and LPNs to work full time at our facility to provide long term nursing home care for Missouri Veterans. Applicants should come prepared to complete employment applications, have an interview and be hired on the spot if qualified. 10600 Lewis and Clark Blvd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 340-6389.

Fri., Dec. 2, 8 p.m., Guardian Angel Settlement Association presents Kim Massie Sings for the Angels. Join us for a wonderful night of music, fellowship and philanthropy. GASA serves people living in poverty by helping them improve the quality of their lives and achieve economic independence. Redline Production and Post, 5550 Fyler Ave., 63139. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Dec. 3, 7 pm. Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists 40th Anniversary Celebration honoring Mary Cannon, Bonita Cornute, Bernie Hayes and Donald M. Suggs, Nine Network for Public Media, 3655 Olive Street. For more information, visit https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/ greater-st-louis-associationof-black-journalists40th-anniversary-tickets27716886955?aff=ehomecard

Sun., Dec. 4, 4:30 p.m., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Epsilon Lambda Chapter invites you to the 2016 Founder’s Day Banquet. Occasion Banquet Center, 111 Compass Point Dr., 63301. For more information, call (302) 723-1567 or visit www. apafoundersbanquet.eventbrite.

com.

Sat., Dec. 17, 10:30 p.m., NAACP St. Louis County Brunch presents Soulful Jazz Brunch Extravaganza. fashion show, live music by The Coleman Hughes Project, a shopping bizarre, silent auction, and more. Westport Sheraton Chalet, 191 W. Port Plaza, 63146. For more information, call (314) 4779338.

literary

Tues., Nov. 29, 4:30 p.m., Washington University presents Library Faculty Book Talk Series feat. Kimberly Norwood Norwood, a professor of law and African & African American Studies at Washington University, explores the underlying fault lines that cracked and gave rise to the eruption in Ferguson in the book Ferguson’s Fault Lines: The Race Quake That Rocked a Nation. The discussion will feature a panel of contributors to the book. A reception will follow the discussion. Olin Library, One Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www. library.wustl.edu/event.

Tues., Nov. 29, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author David Oshinsky author of Bellevue: Three Centuries of Medicine and Mayhem at America’s Most Storied Hospital. St. Louis County Library headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63124. For more information, call (314) 994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org.

Fri., Dec. 2, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author David France, author of How to Survive a Plague: The Inside Story of How Citizens and Science Tamed AIDS. St. Louis County Library headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63124.

Fri., Dec. 2, 7 p.m., Olin Black MBA Association & Olin Latin American Business Association present the 1st Annual Olin Art Auction. Join us in an evening of fine cuisine, music, dancing, and incredible local art. All art auctioned is created by local Black and Latin artists. Olin Business School, Washington University, 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information,

visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Dec. 3, 6 p.m., A Colorful Holiday Party and Fundraiser Celebrating Artists First. Artists First is a non-profit organization that fosters the growth of artists with disabilities through creative self-expression. Artists First offers art-based programs throughout the greater St. Louis area serving adults with disabilities, youth with and without disabilities, and veterans. Bethel Lutheran Church, 7001 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, call (314) 781-4440 or visit www.artistsfirststl.org.

theatre

Dec. 1 – 4, Ignite presents Shrek the Musical. Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan Ave., 63111. For more information, visit www.ivorytheatrestl.com.

Dec. 2 – 4, The Fox presents Annie. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1678 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Dec. 2 – 4, Washington University Dance Theatre presents Critical Mass. Edison Theater, 6445 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, call (314) 935-6543 or visit www.edison.wustl.edu.

Dec. 9 – 11, COCA’s Ballet Eclectica presents The Little Dancer. Enjoy the tale of Edgar Degas’ famous sculpture “The Little Dancer” that comes to life and discovers the world through experiencing works of

art. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130.

For more information, call (314) 561-4877 or visit www. cocastl.org.

lectures and workshops

Mon., Nov. 28, 6 p.m. SLACO’s Sustainable Neighborhoods Program presentsWhat is TIF? Tax Breaks, Segregation, and Racial Equity with Molly Metzger, Assistant Professor, Washington University St. Louis. The City of St. Louis, like many other cities, uses TIF to divert hundreds of millions of dollars of tax revenue to select housing and business developments. Dr. Metzger will analyze TIF and other incentives through a racial equity lens, focusing on specific opportunities for policy change. SLACO Offices, 5888 Plymouth Ave. St. Louis, MO 63112. More information will be available at www.slaco-mo.org or call 314.361.9406

Thur., Dec. 8, 9 a.m., Alive and Well STL presents How Trauma Impacts Social, Emotional, and Health Outcomes. The presentation will explore the prevalence and impact of trauma on children’s brain development, what we must do to help children and families recover from trauma, and what is behind many of the behaviors we see and how we can shift our perspective to serve children and families through the lens of trauma.

Free and open to the public. John C. Murphy Health Center, 6121 N. Hanley Rd., 63134. For more information or to register, visit www. eventbrite.com.

health

Tues., Nov. 29, 8 a.m., Washington University Institute for Public Health 9th Annual Conference: Mental Health is Public Health – Innovative Approaches to Behavioral Resilience. We will bring in perspectives from a variety of angles including community, patient care, systems approaches, social justice, equity and more. The conference is free and open to the public, and will include a keynote address, panel discussion, poster session,

and networking opportunities. Our keynote speaker, Mary McKernan McKay, PhD, is the Dean of the Brown School at Washington University. Pre-registration is requested. Eric P. Newman Education Center, 320 S. Euclid Ave., 63110. For more information or to register, visit www. publichealth.wustl.edu/events.

Thur., Dec. 1, 6 p.m., Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis presents the Ask the Doctor Health Series: Dissecting Depression. Join us for a mental health workshop to learn how to prevent, manage, and reverse the symptoms of chronic, acute, and seasonal depression. Vaughn Cultural Center, 3701 Grandel Square, 63108. For more information or to register, call (314) 506-5305 or email tcarter@urbanleaguestl.org.

Tues., Dec. 6, 2 p.m., Seniors Home Care presents Family Caregiver Training. This free training opportunity provides tools to use when caring for a parent or loved one in multiple settings. Topics include monitoring and handling medications, home safety, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia awareness, handling care giver stress and much more. The class is taught by a Seniors Home Care registered nurse. For more information or to reserve a spot, call (314) 962-2666 or visit www. seniorshomecare.com.

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., Get Sexy Movement Boot Camp. Station styled boot camp with 1 minute at each station for three rounds. North County Recreation Center, 2577 Redman Rd., 63136.For more information, call (314) 898-8898.

Sun., Nov. 27, 10:30 a.m., The Galilee Missionary Baptist Church invites you to our 118th Church Anniversary and Homecoming: There’s No Place Like Home - Come Home to Galilee. The Rev. Dr. Wallace Hartsfield, Sr. of Kansas City will be our guest preacher for the service. 4300 Delmar Blvd., 6310. For more information, call (314) 5316390.

Wed., Nov. 23, Moana starring Dwayne The Rock Johnson opens in theatres nationwide.

Sun., Dec. 25, Fences starring Viola Davis, Denzel Washington and Stephen Henderson opens in theatres nationwide.

Sun., Dec. 25, Hidden Figures starring Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae and Octavia Spencer opens in theatres nationwide.

Beyond Housing presents Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert featuring Damian Escobar (left) and Brian Owens (right). See HOLIDAY HAPS for additional details.

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission

Holiday classics in St. Louis

Events to help make the season bright

By Kiara Bryant For The St. Louis American

As we celebrate what we’re thankful for and spend time with family and friends, soon it will be Christmas Day. Doesn’t everyone love this time of year? The magic of the holidays make us wish we could celebrate this way all year long. It’s the season for giving, people are kind to one another, decorations adorn the city and we make memories that we will remember for a lifetime. It’s lovely weather for viewing holiday lighting displays, enjoying festive entertainment and other wintertime activities that make the season bright. We invite you to take time to enjoy the holiday scene in St. Louis.

Twinkling Lights

Nothing celebrates Christmas quite like a trip to see the annual Way of Lights Christmas display (Nov. 18-Dec. 31), at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, your family may view the biblical journey with a mile-and-ahalf drive of over one million lights. As most St. Louisans know, Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park (Nov. 23-Jan. 1, Closed Dec. 24 and 31) has been one of the most popular Christmas light displays in the area, celebrating the joyous season with various holiday scenes for over 30 years. We invite you to walk through the world-renowned Saint Louis Zoo and take in a wonderland of spectacular light displays at U.S. Bank Wild Lights (Nov. 25-27, Nov. 30-Dec. 4, Dec. 7-11, 14-23, & 26-30). At the Garden Glow lighting exhibit (Nov. 19-Jan 1; Exhibit Closed Dec. 24 and 25) at the Missouri Botanical Garden, you will be surrounded by a spectacle of unique light installations as lights will adorn some of the Garden’s most iconic locations.

Festive Entertainment

Various St. Louis venues will bring holiday entertainment center stage including the sounds of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Ghosts of Christmas Eve at the Scottrade Center on Dec. 4, a special showcase of Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite at Jazz at the Bistro (Dec. 19-21) and Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at the Fabulous Fox in Grand Center on Nov. 30. The Fabulous Fox will also offer a reimaged version of the Tchaikovsky classic

titled, Hip Hop Nutcracker which has toured throughout the United States and Russia. Dianne Reeves will ring Christmas bells with Christmas Time concert (Dec. 2) presented by Jazz St. Louis at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Missouri – St. Louis.

Holiday Experiences

The annual Kwanzaa Celebration returns to the Saint Louis Art Museum on Jan. 1 with culture, performance and the tradition of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Holiday celebrations are endless, and there are a few new magical experiences this year. Christmas onesies are encouraged at The Santa’s Express Train Ride featuring ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas which will depart from St. Louis Union Station during the most wonderful time of year (Nov. 18-Dec. 30). For the first time ever, Six Flags St. Louis becomes a magical winter wonderland featuring thousands of colorful lights and thrilling rides at Holiday in the Park (Nov. 25-Jan 1). So, if your kids have been nice all year, take them out to celebrate at Missouri’s coaster capital during the holidays. Show your moves on the ice while practicing the alltime favorite wintertime activity ice skating at Steinberg Ice Rink in Forest Park (opens midNov. through Feb. 23 – with extended holiday hours, Nov. 23 - 26 and Dec. 16 - Jan. 7, 10 a.m. – Midnight).

Seasonal Shopping

‘Tis the season for shopping and we’ve got you covered in St. Louis with everything from our local shops to our many shopping centers. If you’re gearing up to get your Christmas shopping done, look no further than right in your own neighborhood. Remember to shop local and celebrate Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26 by visiting the boutiques and specialty shops in our many neighborhoods, including The Loop Florissant Central West End St. Charles Maplewood and others. From the home furnishings at IKEA St. Louis, to the luxurious Plaza Frontenac to Chesterfield’s St. Louis Premium Outlets® and Taubman Prestige Outlets, St. Louis offers yet another great shopping experience for residents and visitors to our city. You’ll find unique gifts within our many attractions and museums such as The Missouri Botanical Garden Missouri History Museum, or Saint Louis Art Museum

As always you can visit www.explorestlouis. com for even more ways to celebrate the holiday season in St. Louis. Happy Holidays!

ARTWORKS

Continued from C1

organizations nationwide to be recognized this year for its effectiveness in promoting learning and life skills in young people.

“I like to use my art to capture my dreams, music I hear, or something I have read in a book,” Cason said when discussing the impact of the organization on her life. “I want to be an illustrator, and what I’ve learned with St. Louis ArtWorks will help me in the future. I have learned to speak with more confidence and to be more of a leader.”

The award recognizes the country’s best after-school and out-of-school-time creative youth development programs for using engagement in the arts and the humanities to increase academic achievement, graduation rates and college enrollment. The 12 awardees

TURKEY

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of Hot 104.1 FM blasting through the speakers as families talked and mingled before the especially brief program began. While in the background to make sure that the spotlight was on his son, Bleezy was definitely having a proud father moment.

“When I eat – and when I bless my food with my family – I know that there are 25 other families that will be blessed,” Bleezy said.

Dark knows from experience the price a family pays when the breadwinner is incarcerated – especially during the holidays. It was the sinking feeling he had when he was in the same situation a few years ago that compelled him give back.

“Being behind bars and not being able to help your family is like one of the hardest things ever,” Dark said. “You can’t even touch them when they need you the most. It’s the worst feeling. It’s like, ‘I’m on this side where they are providing me meals, when they on that side and they might not know where their next meal is coming from.’”

He was one of those locked up. And his was one of the families who needed help because of the lost income of a provider being imprisoned.

Though they just recently connected, Dark and his dad Bleezy have lived parallel lives. Like his dad did before him, Dark is looking to make a name for himself on the St. Louis hiphop scene. He’s also been one of the millions of young black men caught up in the penal system. And, like his father, he has a heart for community service.

Bleezy found himself behind

DISNEY

Continued from C1

upset in the spiritual realm that has rippled into the natural world – and Moana answers the call of the supernatural to save her people from becoming a casualty of the consequences.

“This is a movie from their point of view,” West said. “This is about their culture thousands of years ago before they had any interaction with Western civilization. It’s all them – and it’s all Moana.”

A storied career

“A cool adventure” is how West has described his 20-plus years at Disney. He has risen through the ranks to his current position as supervisor for animated effects and had a hand in some of the most treasured films in Disney’s modern catalog – from 1994’s “The Lion King” to the 2013 cultural phenomenon “Frozen.”

“I love when these movies go out there and touch people,” West said. “You never know how something is going to touch somebody. You’ve got to put as much heart into it as you can – but you never know.”

– chosen from a pool of 251 nominees and 50 finalists – were also recognized for improving literacy and language abilities, communication and performance skills and cultural awareness.

“We hope this award will draw attention to the documented fact that programs like ours are essential investments – not just in the lives of our young people, but in our community as well,” Block said. “We’re incredibly proud of this achievement and of the young people, volunteers, supporters, board, and staff who made it possible.”

Ninety percent of St. Louis ArtWorks’ youth graduate high school and plan to attend college.

“By engaging and inspiring young people, St. Louis ArtWorks is giving them not just the vision but the skills to build a new and better life for themselves and their families, and for our community,” said Narcisa Symank, board chair for St. Louis ArtWorks.

“These young people are learning how to use creative thinking to work as a team, to solve problems and to express themselves constructively. These are exactly the kinds of skills we want them to have to be able to succeed in school, in work, and in life.”

In addition to the national recognition, St. Louis ArtWorks will also receive $10,000 to support its programming and engage more young people from the community.

“These amazing programs prove how effective creative youth development can be in changing lives and communities,” said Megan Beyer, executive director of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. “They’re improving academic achievement and contributing to high school graduation rates, and they’re providing the opportunity for young people to build the 21st-century skills they need to succeed in school and in life.”

bars back in 2010. Yet he fed hundreds of families when imprisoned. He even went on air on Hot 104.1 FM while incarcerated to tell families that he had holiday meals available to those in need.

Bruce Franks Jr. was on the scene then with his own handle.

“Before I was Bruce Franks, state rep. of the 78th District, I was Oops In The Building,” Franks said. “I’m always gonna be Oops. I grew up watching artists like Bleezy give back to the community from an artist aspect.”

Bleezy was released in 2014, and his son Dark is picking up the torch from his father for 2016.

“By me being in prison, I know that the ones that are in jail aren’t the only ones incarcerated – it’s the people out here that they leave handicapped,” Bleezy said.

“And for me to help provide for those people, that means the world to me.”

Bleezy and Dark gave props to Prince for her efforts in pulling the event together.

“This whole experience was a blessing,” Prince said.

He said he’s been drawing for as long has he can remember, but the University City High School and Columbia College (Chicago) graduate had his professional breakthrough in animated film by way of the 1992 urban cult classic “BeBe’s Kids,” – which was derived from a bit created by the late comedian Robin Harris.

As a supervisor for the company who set and maintains the standard for animated feature films, the biggest joy of his job is giving members of his crew opportunities to succeed and better themselves as artists. He also gets a kick out of making a film that will have a lasting impact on those who see it because of the inspirational storylines.

“We are working really hard to make something special,” West said. “You don’t focus on revenge, cynicism or retribution – you focus on hope, community, love and knowing yourself and strength. Those are the things that elevate people, and those are the things our films are about. When you spend five years on a movie, you want it to be about something that sustains you.”

He shudders at the thought of working on material that doesn’t come from a happy place.

“To see him continue in his father’s footsteps and doing the work his father did was just awesome.”

Prince hopes that through Dark and Bleezy people realize that there’s more to hip-hop artists than crime and grime.

“People do try to put a negative vibe on rappers, but they rap about the conditions of their community,” Prince said. “There is an ugly side – but then there are those like Dark and Bleezy, and Bruce Franks, who are trying to do something to help the people caught up in those conditions.”

Denise Glass broke down in tears all over again when she spoke of the holiday blessing she was in line to receive.

Her son, who was a major contributor to the household, has been behind bars for four years. To make matters worse, she lost her job in June.

“Young Dark is an inspiration to let people know that you can get out, make it and give back,” Glass said. “When I thank God as I pray over my Thanksgiving meal, I will be thanking Young Dark as well.”

“You spend so much time looking at these images and putting these films together, that if they weren’t positive images and quality images, it would be a drag,” West said. “Every image in this movie has an effect in it that I’ve seen 30 or 40 times – every shot, and that’s no exaggeration. It’s good that these images are positive, because otherwise it would be a straight-up drag.” He’s also thrilled that his company answered the call by audiences to reflect an array of cultures and experiences in their films.

“There’s something so universal that cuts across race and gender – and even a film like ‘Zootopia’ that cuts across species – they resonate with people and they want to share them,” West said. “They want to make sure their kids see it, and when those kids grow up, they want to make sure their kids see it. And I don’t want to jinx it, but Moana is so visually stunning and has so much detail – not clutter, but detail – that I think the people will see more than once just to take it all in.” Disney’s “Moana” opens in theatres nationwide on Wednesday, November 23. The film is rated G with a running time of 96 minutes.

The Saint Louis Zoo will present U.S. Bank Wild Lights, a wonderland of spectacular light displays, Nov. 25-27, Nov. 30-Dec. 4, Dec. 7-11, 14-23 and 26-30.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

State Rep. Bruce Franks with Young Dark at his Thanksgiving meal giveaway Saturday afternoon at 2929 South Jefferson.

Celebrations

Nuptials

Congratulations

Veteran Honored

Rochelle Webber-Williams of Northwoods, Mo, received the Veterans Service Award at a ceremony at the Capitol in Jefferson City, hosted by Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder. Rochelle is a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Army and is an active volunteer serving veterans in her community.

Reunions

Beaumont Class of 1967 will meet at the Natural Bridge County Library, 7606 Natural Bridge 63121 at 1:30 pm on Saturday, Dec. 17. Please update your contact info at Beaumontclassof67@ sbcglobal.net. We will be mailing info soon. Beaumont High School,

Class of 1978 will celebrate its 40-year reunion in 2018. For further information, please contact: Marietta Shegog Shelby, 314-799-5296, madeshe@sbcglobal.net.

Central Visual and Performing Arts Class of 1996 will be hosting its 20th Year Anniversary Spooktacular Soiree Reunion Kickoff Event at Central Visual and Performing Arts Gym, 3125 S Kingshighway Blvd, on October 29 from 7:00 pm-11:30 pm, admission $20. For more information contact Dr. Miranda Avant-Elliott, at cvapclassof96@gmail.com or visit the VAP C/O of 1996 20th Yr Reunion Facebook page.

Sumner Class of 1965 is planning a “70th” Birthday Cruise for October 2017. If you’re interested and want to receive more information, please contact Luther Maufas (314) 541-4556, Brenda Smith Randall (314)382-1528, or Laura Young (314) 328-3512 with name, address so the info can be mailed to you.

Sumner Class of 1967 is planning its 50-year reunion and need contact information from those classmates. Please contact Carlotte Algee Stancil at algee1999@ yahoo.com; DonnaYoung Rycraw at donnarycraw@ aol.com or Stella Smith Hunt at stellalhunt58@sbcglobal. net, 314-381-5104 with email, address and phone number.

Birthdays

Sending special birthday wish to my favorite little cousin, Kayla Joelle Tillman who is celebrating her 9th birthday on November 26. Love, Jocelyn

Kayla Joelle Tillman

Happy 11th Birthday to Roland T. “Trey” Hines III on November 19, from your father Roland T. Hines II , your “Pa-Pa” Roland T. Hines I, “Lee-Lee”, aunt Adrianna and cousin Tristan. We love you!

Vashon High School 90th Anniversary Celebration will be held at Renaissance Hotel Airport St. Louis, October 6-7, 2017. On October 5, 2017, there will be an Alumni Day at Vashon High School. Please save the dates.

Vashon Class of 1957 is having its 60-year reunion on May 20, 2017 at the Atrium at the rear of Christian N.E. Hospital on Dunn Road. Classes 1955-1959 are welcomed. For more information, please contact Lovely (Green) Deloch at 314867-1470, Marlene (Randall) Porter at 314-653-0107, Mae (Simmons) Mahone at 314653-0818 or Phyllis (Bolden) Washington at 314-531-9925.

Roland T. ‘Trey’ Hines III

Vashon Class of 1967 is planning its 50-year reunion and is need of contact information for all interested alumni. Please contact JoAnn Alvoid at alvoidjoe8@gmail. com; Sarah (Taylor) Robinson at srobinson647@hotmail. com; or Sonya (Walker) Smith at 314.381.8221, with your address, email and phone number.

Vashon High School 90th Anniversary Celebration will be held at Renaissance Hotel Airport St. Louis, October 6-7, 2017. On October 5, 2017, there will be an Alumni Day at Vashon High School. Please save the dates.

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103 FREE OF CHARGE

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103

Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com

to Mrs. Tracey & Mrs. Nicola Phillips, who were married on November 5 at Barnett on Washington. The newlyweds will honeymoon on a cruise to Cozmel, Mexico.

Photos by John Scott

Swag Snap of the week

Ŕmy Martin’s Producer Series stops in STL. Ŕmy Martin Presents “The Producers Series” competition made its debut in the St. Louis region Thursday night at HG with 100.3 The Beat’s Tammie Holland as hostess with the most and super producer DJ Mustard as the celebrity industry insider. While I’m so glad we were included in the Midwest mix of cities, I’m just hoping we don’t get dropped because of how the folks in the audience kept their side conversations at maximum volume regardless of what was happening on stage. Shout out to Tammie, who was absolutely slaying in her custom made Young Addy Co. plunging strapless jumpsuit, for trying to get them together as Mustard made a fire track out of thin air and tried to explain how he snatched the beat together. Plenty of The Beat staff was in the building, including my girls Mousie, Lula Gladden and Jessie and my boy Osei The Dark Secret. I also got a chance to chop it up with Mocha Latte and Michelle Granger when I hijacked a seat in Teddy BFree’s booth. He and his lovely wife Makeda were gracious hosts, despite the fact that I was renegading. It was a cute time with the Remy pouring nonstop which probably had everything to do with why the folks could “keep hush” as my granny used to say. And I was looking sideways at those appetizers stuffed into those ranch dipping sauce sampler cups – that was until I got a taste of what they were offering. I got my life – and my nourishment – from those little thangs (yes, thangs) filled with chicken, fish, shrimp, pizza, meatballs, sandwiches…YOU NAME IT! Anyway, let me get back to the point. The competition portion of the show kicked off, and I must say that half of the beats from finalists Hops Beats, Cole The Producer and Beats by Intel were pretty regular. I was shocked that the judges crowned Beats by Intel the winner over Hops Beats – especially considering that when Hops’ beat dropped on his first track, it was the first time of the night that the audience finally got quiet. Word on the curb is that DJ Mustard himself was the one who saved Hops from the initial elimination, and I can totally understand why.

Tre(G) Day. Friday night I scooted over to the Kranzberg to catch rising STL soul star TreG give us a live taste of his new offering “I’m Back”…and I lived. I was able to catch up with some of my faves – including Ronnie Harris, David A.N. Jackson, Joel P.E. King (who is bringing his musical “Real Life” back to STL on Dec. 10 at the Marcelle Theatre), Alicia Like – who was helping Tre out in the band with background vocals, Kevin C. Johnson of The St. Louis PostDispatch and another individual who asked to remain nameless. She easily earned herself a “most lit audience member of all time” award thanks to her performance within the performance. An insecure singer would have been shook, but Tre worked her into the show a bit – which gave me even more life. Actually, Tre had a whole little fan club in red hot T-Shirts with their turnup level on 10 out of 1-5. But this is about him, so I will get back to it by saying that the whole crowd gave him so much energy (well actually, he earned it) that nobody wanted to leave. Him and the sickening band carried on with some R&B classics after the set was officially over. Oh, and I must give him an extra nod for his rendition of my new jam, “Cranes in The Sky” by Solange

Something up S.L.I.M.’s sleeve. I know y’all have noticed that LooseCannon S.L.I.M. has been pretty quiet in these streets lately. Well, I ran into him recently and he told me to tell y’all that you won’t be ready for how hard he hits out the gate almost as soon as 2017 pops off. I can’t give you any details at this point, but just know that S.L.I.M. promises that it will be epic. And I must say that in all my years in the game, one thing I know to be true is that he always delivers on promises – doing what he says he’s gonna do, and bringing who he says he’s gonna bring…regardless of how impossible it may sound. All I can say for right now is stay tuned.

The reincarnation of Lola. I was expecting steamy windows and sweated out pixie cuts when I stopped through Troy’s Jazz Gallery Saturday night for Larry Blue and company’s tribute to the glorious days when you could twerk to exhaustion, refuel with a chicken and waffle plate that would make you want to slap your mama without losing your spot in the dance circle! Lola hit the spot in more ways than one. The tribute was packed and cute too. My note to Blue is that he should have commissioned C.J. Conrod to stay perched on the dance floor working up a sweat until the crowd followed suit – came back again whenever things died down on the dancing tip. It was still good times with good people though. And Reminisce was killing it on the tables!

Steve Lacy’s birthday magic. Christopher Stevens The Salon owner Steve Lacy is legendary in the streets of “The Lou” for his ability to bring the masses from all different walks of life together in the name of kicking it. For all the millennials reading this who probably don’t have a clue, his parties were platinum certified 24K Magic! He’s been off the nightlife scene for a minute after shifting his interests to the local fitness competition a few years back. So you know I was going to be in the building for his b-day bash at The Obar Saturday night. It was the most ________(insert new slang for crunk) that I’ve seen in a minute. Let me put it like this: folks were actually up in there dancing, as opposed to standing around trying to look cute. And these were “so fresh and so clean” folks cutting a rug up in there…including Steve. Were those Versace shoes, sir? I knew that he still had the gift of pulling folks in to party when I saw all sorts of glamourous African formal garb scooting through the OBar. Leave it to him to attract folks leaving Better Family Life’s 30th Annual Unity Ball.

Gena and Steve Lacy kicked it for his b-day Saturday night @ The Obar

Mel and Bianca checked out which future hitmaker would head to Chicago for the finals @ Remy Martin’s The Producer Series Thursday @ HG

Jaz, Tiffany, and Mya kept it cute as they stayed with the dress code for the All Black Everything party Saturday night @ Rustic Goat

Shaina helped birthday girl Nisha usher in another year Saturday night @ Rustic Goat

Denise, Tia and Alyse came through for the STL stop of Remy Martin’s Producer Series competition Thursday @ HG

Leslie and Sabrina slayed in their all black Saturday @ Rustic Goat

Kelz and Christina kicked it @ OBar Saturday night

Jammie and Loreal got into the Lola reunion going down Saturday @ Troy’s Jazz Gallery

Trina and Britt Saturday @ The Marquee

Allen and Lisa @ the Lola reunion party Saturday night @ Troy’s Jazz Gallery

Tammie Holland of 100.3 The Beat with super producer DJ Mustard as they prepared to kick off the St. Louis leg of Remy Martin’s The Producers Series Thursday night at HG. The Roc Nation producer is known in the industry for creating infectious tracks – and has created for the likes of Rihanna, 2 Chainz, Wiz Khalifa, T.I. and even St. Louis’ own Nelly.

DIRECTOR, GRANT MANAGEMENT SERVICES

ARCHS has a position for a Director in the Early Childhood Department. Applicant must have experience with family child care environments, goal setting, early childhood best practices, and be familiar with strength-based coaching techniques. Applicant will be required to complete monthly on-site visits with family child care providers, model best practices, and complete assessments in order to work with owner/directors to individualize quality improvement.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood, Social Work or a related ield with at least 24 credit hours in Early Childhood Education is required. Competence in Microsot sotware including: Word, Excel, Power Point and Web Based Data Systems a plus. Applicant will be expected to conduct early childhood and leadership trainings. Full beneits package, including 401(k) match. Email letter of application, resume and salary history by December 15, 2016 to careers@stlarchs.org or Fax to HR, 314289-5670. No phone calls please.

PASTOR

The Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist Church of Troy, MO is seeking a Pastor. We are a small congregation with much enthusiasm and great potenial for growth. For more info please call 636-528-8899.

HELP WANTED

CNA’s, HHA’s needed ASAP 314-428-6643

MULTI-BUILDING INSPECTOR

City of Florissant is seeking a Multi-Building Inspector. 3 years of progressive experience in code enforcement as well as construction/building trades will be required. Advanced training in local building, electrical, mechancal, plumbing and ire codes is highly desirable. Must obtain certiication as an ICC Residential Combination Inspector. Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license. Submit resume to Human Resources, 1055 rue St. Francois, Florissant, MO 63031, open until illed. hr@lorissantmo.com EOE M/F/Veteran/Disabled

FIRE CAPTAIN/PARAMEDIC

Full-Time

he City of Olivette Fire Department is accepting applications for a Captain/Paramedic position. Qualiications and applications available at www.olivettemo.com. or at the Human Resources Department, 9473 Olive Blvd., Olivette, MO 63132 Starting salary $67,186 EOE

St. Agnes Home

St. Agnes Home is a Roman Catholic, Non-Proit, Long-Term Care Facility owned and operated by the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus. We are seeking qualiied, mission-driven, and focused individuals for the following rewarding career opportunity: Director of Marketing his person will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive and efective fundraising strategies. Requires a BS in Marketing, and at least 3 years of fundraising experience, salary starts at $40,000. Apply online at www.StAgnesHome.com or in person at 10341 Manchester Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122. St. Agnes Home is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WEBSTER GROVES SCHOOL DISTRICT 2017-2018 OPPORTUNITY ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL

Qualiications:

• Master’s Degree, Ed.D. and/or PhD. in school administration

• Experience as an administrator

• Minimum 3 years teaching experience

• Meet state certiication requirements

• Be committed to the academic and personal success for every student, every day

Application Requirements:

• Complete a WGSD application online

• Describe your philosophy of educa tion in no more than 250 words

Deadline: December 1, 2016 Apply on-line at www.webster.k12.mo.us (Employment Opportunities)

Application deadline: December 9, 2016 at 5PM

WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S MANAGER

he Alzheimer’s Association, St. Louis Chapter has an opening for a Walk to End Alzheimer’s Manager for Metro East Illinois. he position is FT Exempt 40 hrs/ wk with a competitive salary plus beneits. he Walk Manager identiies, cultivates & manages relationships within the community that directly increase resources for our mission. Measurable outcomes of this position are achieving designated inancial and participant goals through team and individual fundraising, corporate solicitation and community partnerships as well as increasing Walk-brand visibility in the community. A bachelor’s degree and min of 3 yrs experience in non-proit fundraising and/or corporate sales required. Marketing, community organizing and public health education skills are necessary. Strong public speaking, communication and volunteer recruitment are a must. Please submit your résumé and cover letter, including salary requirements and a minimum of two professional references to Stl-hr@alz.org.

CALLING ALL NURSING STAFF

St. Agnes Home is Seeking FT & PT CMTs, CNAs, & LPNS Apply in-person at 10431 Manchester Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122 EOE

MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS

Overview: Gateway Greening is a community development organization that uses urban agriculture and food access to educate and empower people to strengthen their communities. With 230+ community and school gardens and a 2+ acre urban farm, we are using the power of growing food in St. Louis through local food, community interaction, educating all ages, and volunteerism.

Summary: his postion is responsible for the performance of all communications and marketing eforts. he primary responsibility for this position is to assist all of the organization’s programs in the areas of print communications, digital communications, and consulting the design work. his is a full-time non-exempt. For full posting, visit http://www.gatewaygreening.org/about/careers/ To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, a list of three references, and salary requirements to mschindler@gatewaygreening.org. No phone calls please. Only selected candidates will be contacted.

Apartment Building

Front Lobby Desk Attendant Part-Time,Weekdays 10pm to 7am Send Resume to: cmcrvillage@gmail.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Webster University has an opening for at Social Media Specialist in the Digital Department. Please apply online at http:// webster.peopleadmin.com/postings/2033. No phone calls please. Webster University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, age, protected veteran or disabled status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER

St. Louis Public Library has an opening for a Public Safety Oicer. Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Must have a valid driver’s license with no record of suspension, revocation or chemical related violations within the last three years. Must be eligible to be licensed as a security oicer by the St. Louis Police Department. Previous experience desired. Duties include serving as a security guard and site visits to satellite facilities in private vehicle. Must have excellent customer services skills, be able to stand/walk for extended time periods, lit or move up to 50lbs, be able to work a lexible schedule, have the ability to work in all weather conditions and be on call.

St. Louis Public Library ofers a comprehensive beneits package. Interested candidates should forward a resume or application to:

St. Louis Public Library 1415 Olive Street St. Louis, MO 63103

E-mail: employment@slpl.org

Fax: 314-539-0335 EOE

HRIS Analyst

Webster University has an immediate opening for a HRIS analyst. Please apply online at http://webster.peopleadmin. com/postings/2049. No phone calls please. Webster University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, age, protected veteran or disabled status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

RECREATION

(AQUATICS)

SEEKING - NORTHWOODS POLICE CHIEF

he candidate for Northwoods Police Chief should be a career professional with at least ive years of street patrol and administrative combined experience. He/ She is required to provide administrative support to the Mayor and City Administrator and guide development of the Police Accreditation process to completion. A minimum of an Associate College Degree is also required. he candidate should be able to plan, direct and supervise daily activities, projects and operation of the Police Dept. Salary and essential detailed duties will be discussed during interviews. his position is full time with beneits. Applications should be picked up at the Northwoods Police Dept. -4800 Oakridge Blvd.-Northwoods, Missouri 63121. Return completed application w/your resume, Attn: Mayor-Rev. Everett R. homas at the address above by 5:00 pm, November 23, 2016.

ACCOUNTING/ PAYROLL CLERK

Leveraged Resources Management, Inc. (LRM) a subsidiary of ARCHS is seeking a Full Time Accounting/ payroll clerk. he ideal candidate will have experience in digital payroll processing, EFTPS and MODR on-line tax payments, and quarterly/annual payroll ilings. Duties include A/P Processing, General Ledger Closes(monthly) and Payroll Processing. Experience with Abila MIP payroll sotware desirable. Accounting degree a plus but not required. No Phone Calls Please Send resume and cover letter with salary history to careers@stlarchs.org or Fax to HR 314-289-5670.

CLIENT SERVICES SUPPORT SPECIALIST

he Alzheimer’s Association, St. Louis Chapter has an opening for a FT 40 hrs/ week Client Services Support Specialist. he position is responsible for clerical and administrative support for our Client Services team. Goals are to signiicantly scale up database efectiveness and internal and external customer service, enabling the Chapter to fulill its mission. Minimum requirements include 3 yrs of demonstrated experience working with database mgmt. Must be proicient with Microsot Oice applications and have excellent communication & organizational skills. Please email cover letter with salary requirements, resume and a min of 2 professional references to stl-hr@ alz.org

AND FAMILY

SEALED BIDS

63124. Bid Package #04 – Fire Protection, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical

• Work Package #05 – Fire Protection

• Work Package #06 – Plumbing • Work Package #07 - HVAC

• Work Package #08 - Electrical here will be a Pre-bid Site Walk-through Meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 9, 2016. he meeting will be held at Ladue High School, 1201 Warson Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63124 - We will meet in the South parking lot at the S.M. Wilson JOB-SITE TRAILER. he purpose of this meeting is to observe current existing conditions and to address any technical questions concerning the project from prospective bidders. All Contractors are highly encouraged to attend this meeting. hose Contractors who do not attend the Pre-Bid Meeting but wish to schedule a site visit must contact Vernon Pfeil, Project Manager at S. M. Wilson & Co at 314/645-9595. Contractors are not allowed to visit the site unless prior arrangements are made with the Construction Manager. he bid package will be available for viewing ater October 31, 2016 at the following locations: Smartbidnet https://secure.smartbidnet.com/External/PublicPlanRoom.aspx?Id=265762&i=1

he Construction Manager for this project is S. M. Wilson & Co. and the Project Manager is Vernon Pfeil, 314/791-0870 phone, vernon.pfeil@smwilson.com email. or 314/645-1700 fax.

S. M. Wilson & Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer he Ladue School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

he City of St. Louis, Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Communicable Disease – Grants Administration is requesting proposals from local organizations, community agencies, universities, local governmental entities and other interested parties eligible to receive federal funds to provide the following services: HOPWA Housing, Beneits Administration, Fiscal Intermediary, Fiscal Monitoring, Food Bank and Home-delivered meals, Medical Nutrition herapy, Health Education and Risk Reduction (Treatment Adherence), and Housing/ Emergency Financial Assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS in the St. Louis Eligible Metropolitan Area and portions of Illinois.

Interested parties are encouraged to respond to the solicitation for proposal beginning Monday, November 14, 2016. An RFP packet may be obtained from Phillip Johnson, Secretary I, DOH, 1520 Market Avenue, Room 40027, by either calling 314-657-1556 or via email JohnsonP@stlouis-mo.gov. Interested parties may also download the RFP from the City of St. Louis website at http://www. stlouis-mo.gov/government/procurement.

cfm. If interested parties have downloaded the proposal from the website, they must register with Mr. Johnson; in order to be notiied of any changes or amendments to the RFPs. he deadline for submitting proposals is 4:00 p.m., Friday, January 13, 2017 at the address referenced above.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Millstone Weber, LLC is soliciting proposals for Taxiway V ConnectorLetting No 8626 at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. Please phone 636-688-8794, fax 636-949-3129 or email bob.stubbs@millstoneweber.com quotes by 5:00 pm Monday, November 28. Subcontract work includes, removals, concrete, asphalt, concrete pavements, hauling, fencing, sewers, surveys, testing, landscaping, striping, and electrical. Plans and Speciications are available for review on City of St Louis website http://www.stl-bps. org/planroom.aspx or at Millstone Weber oice.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES

East-West Gateway Council of Governments is seeking a qualiied consultant to develop a Regional Hazard Vulnerability Analysis and Risk Assessment. Funding for this project will be provided by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. Proposals are due no later than 4:00 p.m. on December 21, 2016. Proposals received ater this time will be returned unopened. Details can be obtained at www.ewgateway.org or by calling 314-421-4220 ext. 208

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES

East-West Gateway Council of Governments is seeking a qualiied consultant to develop a Regional Hazard Vulnerability Analysis and Risk Assessment. Funding for this project will be provided by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. Proposals are due no later than 4:00 p.m. on December 21, 2016. Proposals received ater this time will be returned unopened. Details can be obtained at www.ewgateway.org or by calling 314-421-4220 ext. 208.

SEALED BIDS

Sealed bids for REBID to Install

Switchgear, Peery Apartments, Kansas City, Missouri, Project No. M160302 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 12/15/2016. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

for Health Center Renovation, Missouri School for the Blind, St. Louis, Missouri, Project No. E1602-02 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 12/8/2016. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

Exterior Repairs / Toxocology Lab Renovation, Jefferson City, Missouri, Project No. R1505-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 12/15/2016. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

CITY OF ST. LOUIS

LAMBERT - ST. LOUIS

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT®

Solicitation For Bids (SFB) for Terminal Cleaning Services

Bids Wanted

Bid documents may be obtained at Lambert St. Louis International Airport - Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 426-8184. his SFB may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.lystl.com (Click on “Business Opportunities”).

Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR TRAINING PROVIDER

East-West Gateway Council of Governments is seeking a training provider for Hospital Civil Unrest / Violent Incident Response Training. Funding for this project will be provided by the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services. Proposals are due no later than 1:00 p.m. on December 22, 2016. Proposals received ater this time will be returned unopened. Details can be obtained at www.ewgateway.org or by calling 314-421-4220 ext. 208.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

# 57816327, External Evaluator

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is requesting sealed proposals for an External Evaluator to provide formative and summative evaluation of the HBCU-UP Implementation grant from the National Science Foundation. A copy of the RFP is available by calling (314) 340-3325, emailing: barskys@hssu.edu or faxing a written request to: (314) 340-3322.

Proposals will be received until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 and should be mailed or delivered in sealed envelopes clearly marked “Proposal for an External Evaluator” to Harris-Stowe State University, Attn: Shelley Barsky; 3026 Laclede Ave., Room 105, St, Louis, MO 63103.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS

LAMBERT - ST. LOUIS

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT®

Request for Proposals with Qualiications For Government Relations Services

he City of St. Louis Airport Authority is seeking proposals from qualiied contractors to provide Government Relations Services at Lambert Airport.

he Request for Proposals (RFP) can be obtained at the Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 426-8184. his Request for Proposals may be obtained by visiting our website at www.lystl.com (click on “Business”).

Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive sealed bids in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on December 22nd, 2016 for Purchase of: SEWER & CCTV INSPECTION SERVICES.

Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com - click on “MSD At Work”, then “Bidding on Projects”. The bid document will be identified as 6754 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call (314) 768-2735 to request a copy of this bid.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on December 22nd, 2016 to contract with a company for: Sewer & CCTV Inspection Services.

Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 6754 RFP. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for S Ballas Rd 515 Sanitary Sewer (IR) under Letting No. 12788-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, at a place designated.

Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified

Notice he SITE Improvement Association is hosting a Pre-bid meeting for Qualiied and Certiied MWBE contractors to discuss working on Pardee-Blackthorn-Holly I/I Reduction Contract Letting No. 11989-015.1

A pre-bid meeting is being held on

place at

INVITATION TO BID

Sealed bids for the construction of “Mississippi Greenway – Clif Cave County Park to Telegraph Road (173)” will be received by Great Rivers Greenway District 6178 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis MO 63112 until 2 PM December 15, 2016 at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Full Invitation To Bid is available electronically at www.greatriversgreenway.org/jobs. Questions related to this invitation should be directed to: Bob Rosenthal at Loomis and Associates (brosenthal@loomis-associates.com); phone: 636/519-8668).

GRG reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

EOE

“We

have received some great responses. It is a great paper and I am seeing it more and more places.”

SEALED PROPOSAL

Why there are solar panels on our church

Climate change is

a civil rights issue, says New Northside pastor

By Rev. Rodrick K. Burton

For The St. Louis American

Many traditional churches bear the architecture of such a building; typically, a steeple and cross. New Northside Missionary Baptist Church here in St. Louis where I pastor is unremarkable in those typical church features. You will see some features atypical too many churches on our building as well: that being solar panels. This atypical feature is on our church because we believe it is important to do our part, in our community, in our congregation, in our city to fight climate change and reduce carbon pollution. We also believe that good stewardship of our planet means that solar panels be a typical feature of a churches, homes, schools, businesses and any building.

On September 26, I attended an event on climate change in Washington, D.C. I shared the stage with many inspiring speakers: a doctor, a naval officer, an immigrant parent, and more. All of these participants travelled to our capital to speak out about the harms of carbon pollution and the solutions we must support in order to combat climate change. At the event, I shared the impacts climate change is having on my community and communities of color across the country and our community. I shared my church’s conviction to act. It’s a conviction more need to share. As African Americans today, especially in St. Louis, it’s easy

to feel we face bigger problems than climate change. It’s easy to believe the environment is someone else’s concern. But if we ignore environmental concerns, we will be making a monumental mistake. We cannot condemn our children to continue to grow up in communities plagued by air pollution and the diseases and health problems that arise from an abused climate. Let me be clear – climate change is a civil rights issue. Low-income communities and communities of color – like the one I serve – are disproportionately harmed by the air pollution from coal-fired power plants, as well as by the heat and health risks due to climate change. Around 70 percent of African Americans live in counties that violate

New Northside Missionary Baptist Church has solar panels because its pastor, Rev. Rodrick K. Burton, believes it is important for the church to do its part to fight climate change and reduce carbon pollution.

federal air pollution standards and live within 30 miles of a coal-fired power plant.

It’s no surprise then that communities of color, are particularly at risk from the impacts of climate change and power plant pollution. In fact, African-American children are four times more likely to be hospitalized for asthma; they’re four times more likely to die from asthma than white children.

I see the impacts of this carbon pollution, and the climate change it fuels, in my city. St. Louis has some of the worst air in this country. Some of the highest rates of asthma too. I see the impacts in my congregation. As a pastor in St. Louis, I work for those in need. And here in St. Louis, what many need are inhalers. I

see the impacts in my family. My wife has asthma. My twins have asthma.

That’s why I’m so passionate about sustainable stewardship: protecting the environment and the wellbeing of our communities. Doing so also has the added benefit of saving my church $3,000 per year with solar power—allowing us to devote more resources to directly helping our congregation.

And while I’m proud of our small step, I know that our solar panels alone can’t to protect the families that we minister to every day from all the impacts of climate change and carbon pollution.

That’s why the Clean Power Plan is so important.

The Clean Power Plan is the most significant action that the United States has taken to fight climate change and reduce carbon pollution. The Clean Power Plan sets achievable limits on carbon pollution based on proven, cost-effective approaches that the power sector has been using for years to reduce emissions of harmful air pollution.

As people of faith, and stewards of the Earth and brothers to our neighbors, it’s our obligation to act to stop climate change. I urge you to write your local priest, pastor, or clergyman and encourage them to speak about climate change and its effects with their congregations in addition to contacting elected officials at all levels. It is a scientific fact that we all are being affected, and together, we all can take individual steps to act on climate. Like solar panels. Together, we can support the Clean Power Plan and improve the world for all.

Rev. Rodrick K. Burton is pastor of New Northside Missionary Baptist Church of St. Louis, Missouri.

The Message God wherever you go

In many a biblical instance, whenever someone in the Bible begins to accept and acknowledge Christ, change is inevitable, fear of the unknown ensues and faith gets severely challenged. If we’re honest with ourselves, walking by faith and not by sight is kind of an unnatural thing in the natural world. This spiritual awakening, this kind of change in one’s thinking says a lot about our understanding of supernatural existence.

Joshua 1:9 lets us know that from the moment we begin to expand our awareness of God, we must take Him everywhere we go or constantly lose ourselves due to our own devices, much like the Israelites in the desert. “Be not dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with you wherever you go.”

It’s a conscious thing. One of the easiest things to fall prey to in life is the everyday temptations that come our way. No one would argue that we live in a materialistic society that is framed in what were once 30 second sound bites, that can now be delivered in 10.Wealth becomes instant and the pursuit of it endless. If there is no spiritual fallback position, one gets constantly caught up in defining oneself by how much you have, what you can buy and which of your pleasures you can exploit. Under these circumstances, life can make you feel inadequate and anxious. The truth is more is never enough.

There are times during the course of a day that you have to wonder what in the heaven is going on. This thing we know as life sometimes gives a terrifying ride akin to

a roller coaster from hell. It’s full of twists and turns, events and people, ups and downs and stuff right out of a horror movie. It would make anybody question its purpose. We are taught as Christians that free will is supposed to have something to do with how we live our lives. We do so, as followers of Christ, by being in control of the decisions we make or those that we do not. On many occasions, we find ourselves caught up in quagmires of discontent due to situations we’ve created simply by making the wrong choices and or the wrong decisions. As I study more, I find the subject of change and chance in scripture really fascinating. “In paths that they have not known, I will guide them.” Isaiah 42:16 clearly indicates that when you attempt to change your life, divine help seems to be required. Now, spiritual awareness, that’s different. “My presence shall go with you and give you rest.” Exodus 33:14. The understanding of eternal existence, of the spiritual reality of man allows us to put life’s contradictions and absurdities into some kind of perspective. Focus on God actually brings clarity to the soul and subsequent order to chaos. Peace of mind abounds in the hearts of those who seek the truth. Purpose is simplified and life becomes easier to navigate. In this context, free will merely acts as confirmation of the obvious.

“Whatever is born of God overcomes the world.” 1 John 5:5. That truth leaves nothing to chance.

Columnist James Washington